In this book, one of the leading authorities on contemporary Northern Ireland politics provides an original, sophisticated and innovative examination of the post-Belfast agreement political landscape. Written in a fluid, witty and accessible style, this book explores:

• how the Belfast Agreement has changed the politics of Northern Ireland
• whether the peace process is still valid
• the problems caused by the language of politics in Northern Ireland
• the conditions necessary to secure political stability
• the inability of unionists and republicans to share the same political discourse
• the insights that political theory can offer to Northern Irish politics
• the future of key political parties and institutions.