In this book, one of the leading authorities on contemporary Northern Ireland politics provides an original, sophisticated and innovative examination of the post-Belfast agreement political landscape. Written in a fluid, witty and accessible style, the book explores: * how the Belfast Agreement has changed the politics of Northern Ireland * whether the peace process is still valid * the problems caused by the language of politics in Northern Ireland * the conditions necessary to secure political stability * the inability of unionists & republicans to share the same political discourse * the insights that political theory can offer to Northern Irish politics * the future of key political parties and institutions.