Look at every territorial dispute you care to mention. Northern Ireland, for instance. Religion in that case, Jamie ventured. Not just. Religion was the badge of identity, but it wasn't really about whether you went to Mass or to a tub-thumping Protestant chapel. It was a result of the movement of people. The Protestant planters-many of them Scots-replaced the native Irish, remember? Movement of people again.
The quote discusses the complex dynamics of territorial disputes, using Northern Ireland as a prominent example. It highlights that the issues are not solely based on religion, despite it being a significant marker of identity. The conflict is deeply rooted in historical movements of populations and demographics rather than just religious practices.
The author emphasizes that the Protestant settlers, many of whom were from Scotland, displaced the native Irish, illustrating how migration and settlement patterns influence societal divisions. This perspective encourages a broader understanding of conflict, suggesting that the interplay of identity, history, and movement shapes these disputes.
