The Role of Civil Society in Producing "Everyday Security": Lessons from the Island of Ireland

• In Event: Policing and Community Security

Abstract

Related to the legacy of conflict on the Island of Ireland, many communities have been (and remain) historically marginalised and mistrustful of state agencies, leading to the development of a robust civil sector that has actively contributed to local safety maintenance and supported bottom-up peacebuilding. The recent transition to a post-Brexit context, however, has brought to light many lingering security concerns, renewing tensions and fears for many residents, despite the progress of the region’s peace process. This mixed methods study explores the role of informal actors in generating peace, safety, and security, shifting the focus from state institutions (such as the police, military, etc.) which have received significant attention, to local organisations and individuals who have largely been overlooked in this field. In particular, the paper highlights research examining "everyday security" in the border regions of Ireland—north and south—examining the "informal" ways in which civil society and local communities produce safety and wellbeing. The key findings emphasise the centrality of such actors in de-escalating conflict, building peaceful relationships, promoting holistic support, and strengthening democratic engagement with formal institutions, indicating that this underfunded and often neglected sector exhibits abilities beyond what its marginal standing may suggest.

Authors

• Matt Bowden, Technological University Dublin

• Amanda Kramer, Queen's University Belfast

• Allely Albert, Queen's University Belfast

• Chloe Carragher, Technological University Dublin