Northern Ireland and Israel-Palestine: Spoilers and the Politics of Inclusion

A comparative analysis of peace processes

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which lessons from the Northern Ireland peace process can be applied to Israel-Palestine. It argues that one of the principle reasons for the Northern Ireland peace process was the decision taken by the British government, in partnership with the Republic of Ireland, to include militant groups in negotiations, on the condition of ceasefire and the adoption of the Mitchell Principles. While noting that there are many unique structural aspects of the Northern Ireland case it is argued that the adoption of a similarly inclusive process may reignite the peace process in the Middle East. The analysis is organised through the framework of „spoilers‟ and the extent to which the concept is useful in understanding the dynamics of peace processes.