The 1998 Good Friday Agreement and power-sharing

• Good Friday Agreement (GFA)

  A landmark settlement that brought an end to decades of violent conflict known as "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland
• Good Friday Agreement

  • Established a framework for peace and reconciliation by providing mechanisms for power-sharing between nationalist and unionist communities
  • Addressed issues such as human rights, policing, and justice
• President Biden's visit to Northern Ireland

  Reaffirms the United States' commitment to the peace process and signifies support for the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region
• Northern Ireland power-sharing institutions

  Devolved government with shared decision-making between nationalist and unionist parties, including the Northern Ireland Assembly
• The Good Friday Agreement guaranteed various rights and protections for all individuals in Northern Ireland, including provisions for equality, justice, and the recognition of multiple identities
• Factors currently posing a risk to the Good Friday Agreement

  • Political tensions
  • Paramilitary activity
  • Brexit
• Political tensions

  Ongoing disputes between nationalist and unionist parties, as well as disagreements over issues such as Brexit and the Irish border, can strain the power-sharing institutions established by the GFA
• Paramilitary activity

  Despite the peace process, paramilitary groups still exist in Northern Ireland and occasionally engage in violence or criminal activities, which can undermine stability and confidence in the peace process
• Brexit

  The United Kingdom's departure from the European Union has raised concerns about the potential impact on the Irish border and the Good Friday Agreement. Any disruption to cross-border cooperation or the free movement of people and goods could destabilize the region and undermine the gains made by the GFA