UC San Diego Global Seminars / UCSD: Dublin - Ireland, Britain, and the New Political Europe

The different nations that populate Ireland and the British Isles are at a crossroads with respect to their relationship to one another and to Europe. Two years ago, Scotland voted in a closely contested referendum on whether to leave the United Kingdom and seek independence as a sovereign nation. Just a few months ago, British voters decided to leave the European Union, to which the United Kingdom has belonged since 1973. Northern Ireland is in a process of reconciliation between Protestants and Catholics, while the Republic of Ireland is rapidly recovering from a sharp economic downturn. All of this makes it an exciting time to visit Dublin and learn about these ongoing processes. Dublin is a lively and youthful city, known for its music and culture, its rich history, as well as for its easy-going charm. The program will explore this city and its culture and politics, but will also take you to the beautiful countryside of Western Ireland, as well as on a long weekend excursion to London.