Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2003. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xii, 251 p. Includes abstract and vita. Advisor:, Dept. of. Includes bibliographical references (p. 235-245).

Texte remanié de: Ph. D.--Hist.--Dublin--Trinity College, 1997. / Bibliogr. p. 273-281. Index.

Thesis (B.A.)--Haverford College, Dept. of History, 2002. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2003. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 373-398). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2003. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 373-398). Also available on the Internet.

M.A. / For the past 135 years, four waves of terrorism have arisen. Sparked by various circumstances, the Anarchist, Anti-Colonial, New Left and Religious Waves have plagued the international system. Emerging from these waves are five types of terrorist groups, namely national-separatists, social revolutionaries, religious fundamentalists, religious extremists and right wing groups. Terrorism is therefore not a new phenomenon, but the events of recent years have reflected a dramatic change in its scale and destruction. The 11 September 2001 attacks have precipitated a swell in terrorist literature, especially in the field of counter-terrorism strategy. However, sufficient in-depth analysis of individual terrorist groups remains lacking. In an effort to better understand the workings of terrorism, this study presents a comparative analysis of three terrorist groups originating in three consecutive and overlapping waves of terror. The groups are the Irish Republican Army (IRA), Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and Al Qaeda. This study investigates the similarities and differences between the groups and addresses specific aspects of terrorist group analysis, which are important tools of clarification. The “why” of the group is reflected in its historical and socio-political context. The “what” and “how” are explained through the group’s organisation, characteristics and operational methods. Terrorists cannot operate in a vacuum and consequently the actors affecting the groups are also explored. Finally, international responses to the IRA, FARC and Al Qaeda are examined in an effort to determine whether these reactions have any impact on the workings of the groups. A main finding of the study is that despite overt differences there are many underlying similarities between the IRA, FARC and Al Qaeda and although terrorism is dynamic, common indicators do exist that may aid efforts to counter it. If the international community or indeed individual states are to combat terrorist activity, their principal objective should be to understand the terrorist’s background, ambitions and means. The present inquiry is designed with these aspects in mind and is intended to contribute to the field. / Prof. D.J. Geldenhuys

This work is based on the belief that the Provisional IRA developed its combat effectiveness through enhancing its small-unit effectiveness. Although PIRA ultimately failed in its objective to reunify Ireland, it successfully waged a thirty-year long campaign against the British military. The current state of terrorism studies does not explain how this was possible. It can explain the development of PIRA’s strategy, membership type and weapons used but it lacks sufficient explanation of small-unit dynamics. By drawing on the ideas of Huntington and King, among others, this work argues that PIRA successfully professionalised its small-unit tactics and this was the source of its increased effectiveness. By examining changes in structure, training, specialisation, motivation and identity it will be possible to demonstrate whether professionalism did have an effect. Ultimately, the findings of this research will provide an example for others to follow in their efforts to understand past and present terror threats.

This thesis examines the 1981 hunger strike by republican prisoners in Northern Ireland against the removal of special category status from newly convicted paramilitary prisoners on 1 March 1976, the fast was part of a protest that began in 1976. The thesis opens with an examination of the origins of the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1969 and the emergence of a younger leadership in the late 1970's, and evaluates the significance of the prisons in Irish history. The development of the prisoners protests ranging from the refusal to put on a uniform and perform prison work to the rejection of sanitary or washing facilities, is analysed. The prisoners demands are examined in the context of British and international law. The campaign in support of the republican prisoners conducted outside the Maze Prison, including the formation of the Relatives Action Committee and the National H-Block/Armagh Committee is surveyed, and the female "dirty" protest at Armagh Prison is examined. The medical, ethical, and moral dilemmas presented by hunger striking are identified and the thesis examines the debate whether the men who died were suicides or martyrs. The 1980 and 1981 hunger strikes are examined with particular attention to the efforts to bring about a compromise with the British government and the factors leading to a new hunger strike in 1981 and to the intervention of the Catholic Church with the prisoners relatives which ended the fast. The hunger strike is analysed regarding its effect internationally in building up republican support, and in the Province where it acted as the base for the future success of Provisional Sinn Fein later in the decade.

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