The Origins and Rise of Dissident Irish Republicanism: The Role and Impact of Organizational Splits

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Throughout its history the Irish Republican Movement has been beset by splits. The former paramilitary and author Brendan Behan famously quipped that, The first thing on the agenda was always the split. In this in-depth research Morrison analyses the splits through his extensive range of interviews with leadership and rank and file members of the political and paramilitary wings of the Movement. This timely analysis shows how the splits have both aided the politicization of Sinn Fein and the Provisional IRA while in parallel they have brought about the recent intensification of dissident Republican paramilitary activity. He charts the rise of groups including the Real IRA, Continuity IRA and the newly emerging New IRA. By applying his unique process model of splits Morrison provides an insightful analysis of this long-lasting terrorist movement.

Reviews

As Ireland, North and South, traverses its 'decade of centenaries' John F Morrison's study of dissident republicanism is particularly timely. Based on an extensive set of interviews with leaders and rank and file republicans it is the both analytically impressive and historically aware. It demonstrates how splits within republicanism have been essential to its ultimate embracing of peaceful methods whilst not eradicating its continuing potential for violence. * Henry Patterson, Professor of Politics at the University of Ulster, Ireland *
A welcome addition to a growing number of studies of political violence that explore the organizational dynamics of undergrounds. This authoritative analysis of factionalism within the Irish Republican movement shows how divisive questions of identity can be. The author presents a compelling account of how the long-term politicization of republicanism both caused and depended on the internal process of splintering into the dissident factions that threaten the peace today. * Martha Crenshaw, Senior Fellow, Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC), Stanford University, USA *

Author Bio

John F. Morrison is Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of East London, UK.