This book charts the changing relationships between government, voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland since the Good Friday Agreement.
It considers the role these actors have played in rolling out and normalising neoliberal discourses and policies. With lessons about the impact of neoliberal policies on governance, relationships and the peace process, this study explores how a core part of civil society has been shaped by both local policy priorities and broader political and economic processes.

Markus Ketola is Senior Lecturer in Global and International Social Policy at the University of Edinburgh.

Ciaran Hughes is a Belfast-based researcher. His research focuses on Northern Irish politics, community relations, social policy and civil society.

1. Introduction

2. Neoliberal enrolment? The community and 'partnership turn' in government rhetoric and policy

3. Getting connected: celebrating the value of connections and networks

4. Inside the networks: the rhetoric and reality

5. Independence of voice, purpose and action

6. Conclusion