NCJ Number
191039
Date Published
2000
Length
41 pages
Annotation
This chapter explored the rise of terrorism in the British Isles, specifically Northern Ireland and in various nations and cultures in Western Europe.
Abstract
Terrorism in Western Europe, particularly in the region of Northern Ireland, has been an ongoing problem since the beginning of the 20th century. There has been a continuous clamoring for a united Ireland. Europe, on the other hand, has seen a decline in major terrorist movements. This chapter discusses the rise of Irish terror groups and major European countries that have experienced terrorists and terrorism groups, presenting the clearest picture of terrorism in the past and today. The chapter begins with a review of the history of Ireland as far back as the 16th century and discovered how the sectarian/religious factional fighting in modern-day Northern Ireland evolved. In addition, it covered how Britain has combated the escalation of terrorist activities with counter-terrorism activities, how history continues to repeat itself in the modern political arena of terrorism, and how terrorists evolve to become political leaders. It reviewed the Irish Republican Army (IRA), one of the best-organized terrorist groups in modern times. The chapter ends with a discussion of major European countries that have experienced terrorism and include: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. 45 endnotes