Northern Ireland is an area in Europe that has seen much conflict. Just as in the Basque Country and in South Tyrol, two different groups are attempting to confront decades of animosity and violence.
Autonomy has brought about a solution to the former conflict in South Tyrol and the area now represents a mode! of peaceful coexistence. Despite debate on the concept of self-determination, the Basque Country continues to face the daily reality of dreaded ETA terrorism.
The Good Friday Agreement of 10 April igg8 represents a serious effort to resolve conflict between the Catholic and Protestant communities of Northern Ireland. The Agreement contains reference to several constitutional techniques designed to protect the peace process, such as the establishment of 'mixed' and cross-border human rights bodies and enforcement mechanisms. The various papers collected in this book offer on overview of the recent history of Northern Ireland, explain the solutions presented by the Good Friday Agreement and attempt to predict future developments. The papers also reflect the greatest hope of all: strong and lasting peace for this wounded region. | 
