A religião nas relações internacionais e o conflito interno norte-irlandês “The Troubles” (1968-1998)

Abstract

The study of religion in International Relations, and in the Social Sciences as a whole, carried out a trend of having a secondary role for most of the area’s research, due to the influence of theories which were, for many years, considered a parameter, as was the case of the secularization theory. However, in recent years, there has been a movement for the inclusion of religion as an important field for the studies of society and the international system. In this context, the objective of this paper is to analyse the internal northern-Ireland conflict, known as “The Troubles” (1968 – 1998), and to use it as a mean to explore the relevance of this field, and its role during this period. Therefore, we will pass through bibliography which consider the research of religion within International Relations, followed by a presentation of the conflict’s historical context. As a result, we will have an analysis of religion’s role considering both these references, as well as specific studies about the role of religion during The Troubles