Review article
Future Prospects of Conflict in Northern Ireland: The End of IRA or United Ireland
Mirko Bilandžić
Abstract
Decisions made by "Provisional" Irish Republican Army to abandon armed struggle and to disarm in July and September 2005. have an important influence on peace process and overall developments in Northern Ireland, as well as a historical significance. These decisions were not made ad hoc. They evolved gradually during a 25 year period. This period is characterized by the transformation of Republican movement, which transformed from a dominantly armed organization to a dominantly political organization. Historical significance of decisions to disarm and abandon armed struggle is manifested in the fact that they in a certain way represent the end of the Irish Republican Army. On the other hand, these decisions are part of Republican strategy for the 21st century. It is a strategy for peace, formulated in a phrase "with a ballot paper in both hands", and with it, in the 21st century. Republicans will try to achieve their several centuries old goal of unified Irish republic on entire territory of Irish island.
Keywords
Provisional Irish Republican Army; republicans; Irish Republican Army; Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland's conflict; peace process; Good Friday Agreement
Hrčak ID:
17166
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2006.
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