Book excerpt: This book explores the changing relationship between Ireland and America in the modern world. Its main themes examine the shifting patterns of Irish migration over time and the implications of these changes for the political and cultural relationship between the two countries. The historic connection between Ireland and America is at a transitional point, and that while Irish-America is not disappearing altogether, it is changing in fundamental ways, mediated by the forces of globalisation and modernity. Conceptually, the book focuses on Irish-America as an evolved diaspora - a migrant community that has moved into the political, economic and cultural mainstream within US society. A number of important issues lie at the heart of this book for all of us. Where do we belong? Why do we belong there? Can we mediate between where we are from and where we live, to transcend territorial restrictions and live our lives beyond, or in between, the country of our birth and where we've made our ho