Navigating Nationalisms in Deeply Divided Societies: The Case of Northern Ireland’s Immigrant Communities

Abstract

In this study, the author examines major tensions and tradeoffs in Northern Ireland, focusing on how ethnic minority communities—including Chinese, Indian, and Polish populations—navigate the decision to take a more active role in political life as well as the capacity of the native Protestant and Catholic populations to adjust to these new entrants. Based on interviews with minority populations and political elites, the author argues that despite institutional obstacles and a historical context that has traditionally deterred ethnic minority communities from broad political and civil participation, there is evidence of robust participation in public life, both in political and civil society. The paper ultimately argues that Northern Ireland’s ethnic minorities have the potential to catalyze some change in the existing ethno-nationalist cleavage structure, but this potential is limited and largely outside of the conventional electoral arena.