Combating Terrorism in Northern Ireland

Book excerpt: This edited book analyses the lessons which can be drawn from Northern Ireland’s experiences of combating terrorism. The essays in this volume unite analysis and practice in exploring both the conflict in Northern Ireland and the internationally applicable counter-terrorism lessons which can be drawn from the response to it. The contributors, all specialists in their fields, make a theoretical analysis of the underlying causes of terrorism, and explore how this interacts with the development of effective operations and policy responses. The book emphasises the socio-economic and socio-cultural dimensions underlying the problem of terrorism, arguing that short-term, violent/military responses can in fact exacerbate the problem. It highlights the complexity of terrorism as a social phenomenon, and outlines the multi-faceted approach needed to combat it.