Introduction: Mapping the Field of Hate Studies on the Island of Ireland

Hate Crime is a field of increasing concern in academic, activist and the policy domains (Chakraborti 2010). This first comprehensive critical account of hate crime in the Irish context provides a unique contribution to the field of hate studies and activism. The originality of this edited collection is underscored by three features of this book. Firstly, it brings insights from the Republic of Ireland, as the only jurisdiction without hate crime legislation in Western Europe. Secondly, it offers perspectives from the Northern Irish context enabling consideration of hate crime issues in a post-conflict society. Thirdly, and a defining feature of the book, the diversity of contributions achieves a balance between academics, activists, policy makers and practitioners.