Mobilizing against neo-liberalism? Global affirmative action in context

Abstract

This article uses the example of Northern Ireland to illustrate how political mobilization may be deployed to challenge structural forms of inequality. The experience suggests that regulatory models can be designed for particular contexts to shape approaches that present challenges to dominant economic and political orthodoxies. The intention is not to overstate the significance of this specific transitional context but simply to highlight elements that might feature in any attempt to mobilize successfully around human rights and equality, and against aspects of neo-liberal thinking.