Northern Ireland: From Conflict to Compromise with Martin Burns, A&S '98 (MS)

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Lifelong Learning LogoCourse Title: Northern Ireland: From Conflict to Compromise

Instructor: Martin Burns A&S '98 (MS)

Brought to you by Odyssey  

January 27, 2026 - February 17, 2026 (4 Sessions) 

Tuesday,  6:00PM ET - 8:00PM ET 

Virtual via Zoom

Course Description: Trace Northern Ireland’s path from its early history through the turbulent era known as The Troubles, and into the modern day. Beginning with an overview of Irish history leading up to 1912, participants will discuss the decades of political and sectarian conflict that shaped a generation. Explore the landmark Good Friday/Belfast Agreement: how it came to be, what it achieved, and whether its lessons can inform peace-building efforts elsewhere. In our final session, we’ll turn to Northern Ireland today, examining its challenges, progress, and what the future may hold.

While no readings are required for this course, participants may enjoy the following titles:

  • Gerry Adams, A Farther Shore: Ireland's Long Road to Peace (London, 2005)
  • Richard English, Irish Freedom: The History of Nationalism in Ireland (London, 2006)
  • Richard English, Armed Struggle: The History of the IRA (London, 2003)
  • Susan McKay, Northern Protestants: An Unsettled People (Belfast, 2021)
  • David McKitterick & David McVea, Making Sense of the Troubles (Belfast, 2000)
  • George Mitchell, Making Peace (London, 1999)
  • Mark Mulholland, Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, 2003)
  • Jonathan Powell, Great Hatred, Little Room: Making Peace in Northern Ireland (London, 2009)
  • James Waller, A Troubled Sleep: Risk and Resilience in Contemporary Northern Ireland

Explore more lifelong learning opportunities in our full SPRING 2026 Odyssey Catalog

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ABOUT Martin Burns

Martin Burns grew up in Glen Cove, New York. He went on to receive a BA in International Relations from Tufts University and a Masters in Government from the Johns Hopkins University. Most recently, Martin received a Masters in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice from the Queen’s University in Belfast. Martin’s dissertation at Queen’s focused on how the Sinn Féin leadership persuaded the broad Irish Republican constituency to support the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998. His work received praise for its originality and for his extensive interviews with major decision makers such as former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.

While at Queen’s, the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, a flagship for interdisciplinary research in areas of major societal change, published several of Martin’s blogs on international relations and conflict transformation.

Martin has worked as a congressional aide, journalist, political consultant and lobbyist for a leading non-profit. Martin currently is an independent journalist and has been published by The Hill in Washington, DC and the London Byline Times as well as other outlets.

Martin and his wife Mary Liz divide their time between their home in Washington, DC, and an apartment in South Belfast.

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 Event Date
Starts:
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
6:00pm EST

Ends:
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
8:00pm EST

 Contact
Odyssey
Alumni Relations Lifelong Learning
1-800-JHU-JHU1 (548-5481)
odyssey@jhu.edu

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50% discount. Alumni status will be confirmed.
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80% discount. Status of university employment will be confirmed.
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50% discount. Employment status of Spouse/Domestic Partner will be confirmed.
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