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Anne Groutel

Anne GROUTEL began her career in the private sector in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where she lived from 1986 to 1994, before returning to France and changing her career path. She defended her PhD thesis in Irish Studies in 2000. An Associate Professor at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University for 24 years, she was appointed Full Professor in English-Speaking World Studies (specialising in Irish Studies) at Rouen Normandy University in September 2024.

Publications

Monographs

  • The Two Irelands and the Diaspora: The Politics and Economics of a Self-Serving Attachment (Palgrave MacMillan, to be published in 2025)
  • Les deux Irlandes et la Diaspora, un attachement intéressé (Presses Universitaires de Caen, 2021)
  • La cooperation économique entre les deux Irlande (Presses Universitaires de Caen, 2003)

Co-editorship:

  • Ireland and Soft Power: Roots, Reach, Realities Anne Groutel and Grainne O'Keeffe-Vigneron, eds, (to be published in 2026)
  • The UK and Ireland's transatlantic economic relationship in the 21st century Anne Groutel, Marie-Christine Pauwels, Valérie Péronel, eds (Palgrave McMillan, 2017)

Academic papers

(see the Books and Articles section)

Organisation or co-organisation of international scientific events

(see the Scientific Events section)

Research interests:

  • History of the economy of both Irelands from the partition to the present day
  • Strategies of the Irish state regarding economic development
  • Political and economic relations between the two Irelands
  • Influence of the United States and the Irish-American diaspora on the Irish economy
  • Ireland's economic diplomacy and strategy for developing soft power

Responsibilities:

  • Co-director of the Applied Languages Department
  • Elected Member of the Faculty Council, Faculty of Arts and Humanities
  • Director of the academic research group GIS EIRE: Études Irlandaises, Réseaux et Enjeux
  • Co-director, alongside Dr. Grainne O'Keeffe-Vigneron (Rennes 2 University), of the research strand: Repositioning Ireland in the World: Old Configurations, New Realities (see GIS EIRE)

Academic membership

  • Équipe de Recherche Interdisciplinaire sur les Aires Culturelles (ERIAC UR 4705)
  • French Society of Irish Studies (SOFEIR)
  • European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies (EFACIS)
  • Center for Research on the English-speaking World (CREW), associate member


Books and articles


Monographs

Les deux Irlandes et la diaspora, un attachement intéressé

Caen, Presses universitaires de Caen, 2021, 404 p.

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Open Edition
This book highlights the role played by influential Irish-American business leaders in the economic development of both Irelands at key turning points in their recent history, as well as the close yet complex relationships they maintain with Irish leaders. In the aftermath of the partition, the distance between Ireland and its diaspora in North America gradually widened. However, from the 1960s onward, both Irelands, eager to attract foreign investment, independently turned to the entrepreneurial elite of the diaspora in the United States. Irish authorities succeeded in establishing powerful networks, striving over the decades to sustain this collaboration. This work on Irish studies sheds light on the discreet yet essential role played by these prominent business figures in the economic development of both Irelands during critical periods of their recent history. It reveals the growing influence of Irish-American magnates on Irish economic policy and explores the complex nature of their relationships with Irish leaders, marked by goodwill, mutual interest, and varying degrees of power dynamics. About this book, see :
Le Monde diplomatique, February 2022, p. 24
and :
Hadrien Holstein, « Des politiques publiques pour saisir les ressources de la diaspora » , Cultures et Conflits, no. 126, L’aide au développement : Une fenêtre sur le politique (été 2022), pp. 155-158.

La coopération économique entre les deux Irlandes

Caen, Presses Universitaires de Caen, 2003, 134 p.

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Open Edition
Divergent political aspirations, grievances, and conflicting economic interests—everything seemed to separate the two Irelands in the aftermath of the island’s political partition in 1920. Yet, after a period of silence, these "Siamese sisters" were compelled to collaborate occasionally on economic matters of mutual interest. By the mid-1960s, they even embarked on a genuine process of cooperation. Despite the Northern Ireland conflict, the institutional changes it brought about, and the often-tense political relations between Belfast, Dublin, and London, this economic collaboration managed to survive, albeit unevenly. The opening of the Single Market marked the beginning of a new era. As economic integration within the European Union progresses, could the concept of a "global island economy," championed by certain business elites on the island, be emerging in parallel? This book examines the various stages of the evolution of a phenomenon that has often gone unnoticed: economic cooperation between the two Irelands over the past sixty years. The study focuses on the roles played by state authorities and civil society actors on both sides of the border.

Co-Editing

Revisiting the UK and Ireland’s Transatlantic Economic Relationship with the United States in the 21st Century: Beyond Sentimental Rhetoric

Anne Groutel, Marie-Christine Pauwels et Valérie Peyronel (eds), Palgrave Macmillan, 2017, 247 p.

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Springer Nature Link

This book revisits the economic relationship that ties the UK and Ireland to the United States in the aftermath of the greatest economic crisis of the past fifty years. When considering recent developments to these economic links, it appears that oppositional forces are at work. On one hand, globalization and the rise of new economic powers may undermine the ties. Besides, Ireland's and the UK's European Union membership could also loosen their economic ties with the US. Conversely, the future Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement may well strengthen trade and investment links between the US and Europe. Are the economic bonds between the US, the UK and Ireland waning, as some pundits purport? Or are those claims overstated? Could their economic relationship simply be going through a process of change? Although there may not be a single and straightforward answer to these questions, the authors seek to address these issues and provide insight into the changing dynamics of this historic economic relationship.


Co-editor of Special Issue

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Ondine Aza, Anne Groutel, Caixia Tan (eds) : « Diasporas, States and Economic Development in the English-speaking World: Opportunities and Threats », Revue Lisa/Lisa e-journal, vol. 22, no. 57, 2024

Diasporas were, until relatively recently, generally viewed with suspicion by hostlands which tend to promote the notion of “nation state” and thus a certain uniformity. However, the image of diasporas has improved dramatically in recent years, and they are now widely acknowledged to contribute to the economic well-being of their hostland as well as their homeland. As a result, States are becoming increasingly aware that their diasporas may represent a valuable resource. Many of them have drawn up policies to convince their diasporas to contribute to their economic development. Nevertheless, some countries may find that reaching out to their diasporas is a double-edged strategy. Indeed, the members of a diaspora may play a powerful role in both economic and political spheres which can put the homeland authorities under pressure. The sample of English-speaking diasporas that are dealt with in this issue gives insight into the great diversity of their ethnic origins, their unique stories and the type of relationship they entertain with the state authorities of their homelands.
Open Edition



Publications in Peer-Reviewed Journals




Publications Links
Introduction, Ondine Aza, Anne Groutel, Caixia Tan (eds.), special issue: “Diasporas, States and Economic Development in the English-speaking World: Opportunities and Threats , Revue LISA/LISA e-journal, vol. 22, no. 57, 2024. OpenEdition Link
Irish Diaspora Business Elite philanthropy: Boon or Bane?, Ondine Aza, Anne Groutel, Caixia Tan (eds.), special issue on: « Diasporas, States and Economic», Revue Lisa/Lisa e-journal, vol. 22, no. 57, 2024. OpenEdition Link
Ireland and the Marshall Plan: ECA’s Manoeuvring by Stealth to Promote Dollar Tourism, Irish Social and Economic History, vol. 49, no 1, 2022, 116-135.
American Janus-Faced Economic Diplomacy Towards Ireland in the Mid-1950s, Irish Economic and Social History, 43:1, 2016, 3–20.
Les entreprises irlandaises : nouveau moteur de la croissance économique nationale au lendemain de la crise ?, Études Irlandaises, 40:2, Martine Pelletier and Valérie Peyronel (eds), 2015, 31–44.
Engaging the Irish Diaspora in Ireland’s Economic Development: A Double-edged Sword?, Scott Brewster et Werner Uber (eds), Irish Studies in Europe Series, 5, 2015, p. 119–130.
Une nouvelle gouvernance : une condition nécessaire à la reprise économique en Irlande ?, Revue LISA / LISA e-journal, 13:2, 2015.
L’art et la culture au service de l’économie irlandaise : perspectives, stratégies et controverses, Revue Babel, 27:8, 2013, 153–165.
Whither the State? The Recent Evolution of the Role of the State in Ireland, Irish Studies in Europe Series, 4, 2012, 189–212.


Chapters in edited books




Publications
Twenty years after the Good Friday Agreement: Achievements, prospects and limits of economic cooperation between the two Irelands, in Olivier Coquelin, Brigitte Bastiat et Frank Healy (eds), Northern Ireland: Challenges of Peace and Reconciliation Since the Good Friday Agreement, Peter Lang, Reimagining Ireland, vol. 105, 2022, p. 59–77.
Introduction, in Anne Groutel, Marie-Christine Pauwels et Valérie Peyronel (eds), Revisiting the UK and Ireland’s Transatlantic Economic Relationship with the United States in the 21st Century: Beyond Sentimental Rhetoric, Palgrave Macmillan, 2017, p. 3–22.
Irish Exporting Companies: Looking East, Looking South but Still Going West, in Anne Groutel, Marie-Christine Pauwels et Valérie Peyronel (eds), Revisiting the UK and Ireland’s Transatlantic Economic Relationship with the United States in the 21st Century, Palgrave Macmillan, 2017, p. 205–226.
Diaspora irlandaise et entrepreneuriat de croissance : vers un développement transnational des PME irlandaises, in Jacques-Henri Coste (ed.), Les sociétés entrepreneuriales et les mondes Anglophones, Paris, Presses de la Sorbonne Nouvelle, 2013, p. 161–179.
Économie irlandaise et mondialisation, in Catherine Maignant (ed.), Le Tigre celtique en question, Caen, Presses Universitaires de Caen, 2007, p. 91–104.



Conference papers

Presentations at peer-reviewed conferences

  • International conferences abroad
    •

    « Global Ireland 2025: paradigm shift in foreign policy or mere adaptation to a post-Brexit world? », American Conference for Irish Studies annual conference, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, 17-21 Jun 2024, topic: « Embracing Change, Navigating Uncertainty: Ireland and New Beginnings ».

    « From Contacts to Connections: How Seán Lemass Built up an Influential Network of Irish-American Business Elites in the 1960s », Association canadienne d’études irlandaises annual conference, 13-16 June 2018, Université de Laval, Québec (Canada), topic: « Connections and Contacts »,

    « When image matters: Ireland’s first disappointing attempt to woo American investors in the pre-branding era », European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies (EFACIS) international conference, 3-6 June 2015, University of Palermo (Italy), topic: « Beyond Ireland: Boundaries, Passages and Transitions ».

    « Engaging the Irish Diaspora in Ireland’s Economic Development: A Double-edged Sword? », European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies (EFACIS) international conference, Salford University (UK), 1-3 Sept 2011, topic: « Ireland: Arrivals and Departures ».

    « Whither the State? The Recent Evolution of the Role of the State in Ireland », European Federation of Associations and Centres of Irish Studies (EFACIS) international conference, Vienna University, 3-6 Sept 2009, topic: “Ireland in/and Europe: Cross-Currents and Exchanges”.

    « The Irish Government and the American ‘Mantra’ », Canadian Association for Irish Studies annual conference, 3-6 June 2009, topic: « Into the West », Calgary University (Canada).

  • International conferences in France
    •

    « Irish Diaspora Business Elites’ Support: Boon or bane? », CERVEPAs/CREW and GIS Eire, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3, 25 June 2019, topic: « Diasporas, États et développement économique : opportunités et risques. »

    « Potentiel et limites de la coopération économique entre les deux Irlandes vingt ans après l'accord du Vendredi Saint », ERIBIA and GREI, Université de Caen Normandie, 29 March 2019. topic: « Les accords du Vendredi Saint 20 après ».

    « Irish Exporting companies: looking east, looking south but still looking west ». International conference, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3, 22-23 March 2013, topic : « Royaume-Uni, Etats-Unis, Irlande : la relation économique transatlantique en question au XXIe siècle ».

    « Une nouvelle gouvernance : une condition nécessaire à la sortie de crise », CERVEPAS, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Institut des Amériques (Paris), 14 Oct 2011, topic: « Capitalisme anglo-saxon et monde(s) anglophone(s) : des paradigmes en question ».

    « Irlande et Irlande du Nord : quand les politiques dictent les limites de l’échange. International conference, CERVEPAS, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle - Paris 3, 18-19 Nov 2011, topic : « Echange(s) : concepts, enjeux et dynamiques ».

    « How can the Irish Diaspora Help Indigenous Companies Drive Growth? », international conference, CERVEPAS, Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, 16-18 Sept 2010, topic : « Les sociétés entrepreneuriales et les mondes anglophones : cultures, contextes, perspectives ».

    « Vers une nouvelle mutation de l’économie irlandaise ? », international conference, Groupe de recherche en études irlandaises, Université de Caen, 5-6 Nov 2009, topic « L’économie en Irlande : théories, réalités et enjeux ».

    « L’Économie irlandaise et le spectre de la non-conquête », Société Française d'Études Irlandaises, annual conference, topic: « Irlande : l’Epreuve de l’Etranger », Université d’Orléans, 22 March 2003.

    « Les deux Irlandes : vers un nouvel espace économique ? », Groupe de recherche en études irlandaises, Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, 21-22 Sept 2001, topic : « Ouverture sur de nouveaux espaces ».

    « Irlande du Nord : vers un gouvernement solidaire ? », Société des Anglicistes de l'Enseignement Supérieur annual conference, Université de Montpellier III, 4-6 May 2001, topic: « La contradiction ».

    « Les deux Irlandes : de la coexistence à un processus de coopération économique », », international conference, Groupe de recherche en études irlandaises, Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, 24-25 Sept 1999, topic: « Irlande : Ruptures ».



    Scientific events

    Organisation and Co-organisation of Scientific Events


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