This course on peace and communication is one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Considering the current political climate in both the United States and around the globe, the Troubles in Northern Ireland provide a compelling case study. It is a conflict that deserves to be studied and understood, and the peace process that followed offers valuable lessons that can be applied to many other conflicts worldwide.

Reflecting on this course, I learned that division within a society is something that must be examined deeply. A divided society benefits no one. Open communication and an effort to understand every perspective within a conflict are essential to achieving lasting peace.

As a film production major, this course further highlighted for me how powerful a tool art can be in expressing the pain and suffering of those involved in a conflict. Throughout the course, we explored numerous artistic expressions that served to bring communities together. These included traditional Irish singing and dancing, British Council commissions to the Linen Hall Library, film festivals, murals, and exhibitions that honored items once used as weapons during the Troubles. Even after the course ended, I continued my exploration and came across modern artists like Kneecap, a hip-hop trio from Belfast whose music features social commentary, including references to the Troubles.

Before taking this course, I had limited knowledge of the conflict between Ireland and the UK. My academic goal was to learn more about the creative scene in this context, and I was fortunate to achieve that—especially through experiences like walking tours in Derry and Belfast that allowed me to see the famous murals firsthand. I also aimed to draw parallels between this conflict and ongoing global issues, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

One of the major highlights of my trip was learning about the strong sense of solidarity between Ireland and Palestine. I was struck by how openly Irish communities, particularly in Republican areas, expressed support for Palestine. This level of political openness would likely be met with far more caution, or even backlash in countries like the United States. What surprised me most was the contrast between the divided communities of Northern Ireland—Loyalist and Republican—and how politically vocal and progressive the Republican communities were in their cultural expression. Bright, expansive murals, vibrant pubs, and open dialogue were characteristic of these areas, which often had a strong creative presence.

In contrast, Loyalist communities—sometimes located less than five minutes away—felt vastly different. Their murals tended to be darker and focused on military themes and paramilitary culture, often accompanied by Union Jack flags and memorials dedicated to community members who had died. Observing this stark division was eye-opening, particularly in how these communities attempt to bridge the gap. Initiatives like integrated schools and open forums, such as those presented by the three panelists on Day 1 of the course, exemplify steps toward understanding and unity.

It was such a life-changing experience to see this division firsthand, especially to witness how modern-day Northern Ireland is still growing and healing from this conflict politically. It was extremely challenging to learn about the unemployment rate among Republican families in Ireland and how they are still disproportionately affected by joblessness and issues like drug addiction—topics that were openly discussed by panelists, including those with personal experience. While this information wasn’t entirely surprising, given the deep trauma caused by the Troubles, it was still heartbreaking. The generational effects of the conflict remain present in today’s social culture, where the divide is often left undiscussed. Moving forward, I would love to study how countries find peace through global connections, how they form those bonds, how social media is used as a tool during modern political conflicts, and how intergenerational trauma manifests in cultures, societies, and beyond.