NCJ Number
147094
Journal
Crime, Law, and Social Change Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: special issue (December 1993) Pages: 273-292
Date Published
1993
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This paper argues that one of the reasons the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA), Ulster Defense Association (UDA), and Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) have been able to carry on a long-term terrorist campaign is that they are self- sustaining entities within their own ethnic communities.
Abstract
The terrorist organizations provide goods and services to the communities, demanding in exchange outputs ranging from passive acquiescence to outright support of their cause. The government has been ineffective in combatting the terrorist groups in Northern Ireland because of their well established networks of support. This article describes the process through which the groups grew into formalized structures, amassed large amounts of dirty money, and created a formidable black market. The dirty money was used to buy arms, fund welfare networks, and establish political parties. Some money was used to set up front companies that were used as a source of patronage for the terrorist groups. This article critiques some of the stereotypical explanations for the terrorist conflict in Northern Ireland, examines the links between the terrorist groups and the black economy, and assesses the government strategy for combatting extortion and racketeering in that country. 67 notes