How Brexit hardened attitudes about the Irish border – and why things might be changing

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The UK’s decision to leave the EU was a seismic shock in Ireland. In the years following the Belfast/Good Friday agreement, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic had become less relevant. The peace process reduced the military architecture along the border, while EU membership enabled free movement of goods and people.

The Brexit referendum reintroduced the possibility of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Attitudes hardened...