In the aftermath of Britain’s 2016 decision to leave the EU, the Irish-American ethnic lobby remobilized to defend the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement from the threats posed by Brexit. Drawing on interviews in Washington, Belfast, Dublin and London, a new book from SIS Professor Carolyn Gallaher and SPA Professor Kimberly Cowell-Meyers explores how the lobby shaped US policy towards Brexit in order to prevent the reimposition of a hard border on the island of Ireland and preserve peace. The authors also consider the lobby’s approach to other contentious issues, including a united Ireland and Troubles-related investigations.

‘The authors have pieced together a fascinating account of the manner in which Irish America flexed political muscle in defence of the Good Friday Agreement. As someone who was personally involved, I gained new insight from hearing the views of the various contributors to Irish America’s highly-effective lobbying effort. A compelling and enjoyable read.’ Daniel Mulhall, Former Ambassador of Ireland to the US

‘A masterful account of a pivotal moment when the ‘green wall’ held. The authors surefootedly document the surprising remobilization of Irish America to defend the Good Friday Agreement and limit the damage from Brexit.' Barbara Stephenson, Former Consul General Belfast

To learn more about Building a Green Wall: Irish America's Resurgence Post-Brexit and hear from Gallaher and Cowell-Meyers on their research, check out this feature piece on the book from SPA.