Resistance or revolutionary activity in the face of overwhelming force or authority often takes the form of acts of terrorism. Governments may say that they are never prepared to negotiate with terrorists, but the history of the nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first centuries seems to suggest otherwise. If terrorist organisations can maintain their campaigns for a sufficient length of time and cause enough disruption they may well be able to force governments to engage with them.
Between 1969 and 1998 the Provisional IRA (Irish Republican Army) led a campaign against the continued British presence in Northern Ireland. Its aims included the withdrawal of the British, unification with Ireland and a resultant reduction of power for the unionists. At various stages the campaign included attacks on individual unionists, bombs and attacks against the Royal Ulster Constabulary and army units stationed in Northern Ireland, and random acts of violence in pubs and town centres.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
