Sinn Fein and the IRA

Assesses Irish republicanism's strategic process of moderation, from violence to peace and power
IRA violence and Sinn Féin's revolutionary politics plagued Northern Ireland for 30 years. Today, however, violence is (mostly) a tactic of the past and Sinn Féin is a major political player in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This is one of the most startling transformations of a radical violent movement in recent times.
What exactly changed within Irish republicanism? What has stayed the same? And, crucially what caused this transformation? By examining republicanism's electoral participation and engagement in democratic bargaining, together with the role of Irish-America and British government policy, Matthew Whiting argues that moderation was a long-term process of concessions by republicanism in return for increased inclusion within the political system.Key Features- Draws on a wide range of original data, including interviews with former leading British and Irish politicians and civil servants; original material produced by republicanism over a 40-year period; and the latest available archival material from Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland- Reassesses British policy towards the management of the conflict in Northern Ireland- Rigorously evaluates where Sinn Féin stands today in terms of achieving its goal of a united Ireland- Raises important implications for how other non-state armed groups moderate, for the study of state responses to violent separatism and for studies of comparative peace processes