Bridging the Atlantic – Ireland and the US

Global Irish Studies and the BMW Center for German and European Studies, in conjunction with the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin, the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute at Queens University Belfast, the Washington Ireland Program, and the Embassy of Ireland USA, invite you to

Bridging the Atlantic – Ireland and the US

At a time of significant political and economic upheavals there is much to consider in the relations between the two nations, including how they will develop in the wake of Brexit and of the November elections in the US.This online symposium provides an opportunity to reflect on key dimensions of Ireland-US relations at this time. Three panel discussions will involve representatives of the US Congress, policymakers, scholars and journalists. The panel topics:

1. A Special Relationship – The Enduring Influence of Irish-America: From Andrew Jackson to Barack Obama, 22 of America’s 45 Presidents have had Irish heritage. But as US demographics and immigration flows change, what does it now mean to be Irish-American? What role does the constituency play in US politics? And what does Irish-America mean for modern Ireland and its relationship with the United States?

Panelists: Simon Coveney, TD, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, along with members of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus Moderator: TBA

2. Leadership as Bridge Building – A tribute to John Hume & John Lewis: The last year has seen the passing of two titans of civil rights politics, John Lewis and John Hume. We will consider their legacies in relation to outstanding questions of conflict transformation, racial justice and leadership in Ireland and the US. What does the future hold for the Peace Process in Ireland and what role might the US play? What is the role of Irish America in the current struggles for racial justice in the US?

Panelists: Prof. Brendan O’Leary (University of Pennsylvania); Dr. Ebun Joseph (author and activist); Prof. Kevin Gaines (University of Virginia); Prof Bonnie Weir (Yale University) Moderator: Dr. Joanne Murphy (Queens University Belfast)

3. The Future of Transatlantic Relations: What difference will Brexit and the US elections make to relations between Ireland and the US? What are the key economic and diplomatic issues ahead?

Panelists: Daniel Mulhall (Ambassador of Ireland to the US); Ed Luce (Financial Times); Prof. Katy Hayward (Queens University Belfast); David Henig (European Centre for International Political Economy); Dr. Thomas Wright (Brookings Institution) Moderator: Suzanne Lynch (The Irish Times)

This is the second annual symposium on Ireland-US relations, following on from the very successful inaugural event in November 2019. It aims to deepen connections and understanding between academics, analysts and policymakers on either side of the Atlantic, even as it engages them in debate on the frictions within as well as the futures of transatlantic relations.