The Strategies of Counter Terrorism in Western Europe: The Cases of IRA and ETA

Authors : Murat Alakel, Çağdaş Erdoğan

Pages : 53-77

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Publication Date : 2025-05-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This article frameworks a comparative investigation of the underlying causes and effects of ethnic separatist terrorism through the case studies of the IRA and ETA in Western Europe. Drawing on theoretical perspectives including primordialism, modernism, ethno-symbolism, and constructivism, the study explores the structural foundations of these movements, their recruitment dynamics, and the role of ethnic identity in sustaining group loyalty. The research further investigates the counterterrorism strategies employed by the UK and Spain, emphasizing the importance of both coercive measures during high-intensity conflict and political, economic, and social strategies during periods of reduced violence. A key conclusion is that long-term success in counterterrorism requires an integrated approach involving democratic political reforms, legal adjustments, and international cooperation. The study’s comparative framework and its integration of multiple theoretical and empirical tools represent a significant contribution to the academic literature on ethnic terrorism and conflict resolution.
Keywords : Etnik Milliyetçilik, IRA, ETA, Etnik Ayrılıkçılık, Terörizmle Mücadele

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