Considerable writing has been done on the origination of the Irish Troubles with the majority falling into two distinct causal groups, religious identity theory and geographic postcolonial theory. The difference between the two camps being, whether the terrorists are fighting to protect their identity groups, or to maintain their homeland. However, there is a third less dominant group that also exists, economic theory. An economic look says that it is living conditions are the most important determining factor and not area or identity.
The first argument is that the Irish Troubles were religious in origin. Saying that the origin was religious is not to imply that religions are inherently violent, but that the conflict arose from competing …show more content…
Whelan shows that this is the continuation of a century old conflict. His argument, ironically enough, in an attempt to show how the conflict is religious alludes at several points to economics and geographics. Accidently creating an interdisciplinary theory. Whelan says that the fighting is rooted in historical hatreds and mutual fear. One critique that that has been leveled against this view however, is that the the combatants were free to flee. If protection of identity was the only reason for the conflict, the threatened group could flee.
The main competing argument against the troubles as a religious identity conflict is that the troubles were post-colonial geographic in origin. This theory is to say that the Troubles were a continuation of previous struggles between two groups, over a geographic area, caused by colonialism. As Surrie (1994) points out, the majority of the Irish in the north wished to remain in the United Kingdom. This study gives credence to the idea of the IRA as a politically marginalized group and not as a religious group. Bosi (2012) agrees saying that those fighting viewed themselves as protecting their …show more content…
He presents an interdisciplinary counterpoint. While focusing mainly on sociology, White’s article goes the furthest in presenting an argument that combines religion, economics and post-colonial strife as all culminating in the Irish Troubles. This is more the, ‘perfect storm’ theory of terrorism that has been presented by American academics about Islamic terrorism. Krieger (2011) published one such, ‘perfect storm’ article examining the causes of terrorism. However, this entirely interdisciplinary approach runs the risk of being so broad that it ceases to offer any useful critiques altogether.
The literature pertaining to Terrorism and the Irish Troubles is remarkably varied, however, there is a distinct lack in the use of economics. Economic theories, economic data and the history all exist and are readily attainable. Even so, economic looks into the cause of the Troubles are rare and usually relegated to side
The first argument is that the Irish Troubles were religious in origin. Saying that the origin was religious is not to imply that religions are inherently violent, but that the conflict arose from competing …show more content…
Whelan shows that this is the continuation of a century old conflict. His argument, ironically enough, in an attempt to show how the conflict is religious alludes at several points to economics and geographics. Accidently creating an interdisciplinary theory. Whelan says that the fighting is rooted in historical hatreds and mutual fear. One critique that that has been leveled against this view however, is that the the combatants were free to flee. If protection of identity was the only reason for the conflict, the threatened group could flee.
The main competing argument against the troubles as a religious identity conflict is that the troubles were post-colonial geographic in origin. This theory is to say that the Troubles were a continuation of previous struggles between two groups, over a geographic area, caused by colonialism. As Surrie (1994) points out, the majority of the Irish in the north wished to remain in the United Kingdom. This study gives credence to the idea of the IRA as a politically marginalized group and not as a religious group. Bosi (2012) agrees saying that those fighting viewed themselves as protecting their …show more content…
He presents an interdisciplinary counterpoint. While focusing mainly on sociology, White’s article goes the furthest in presenting an argument that combines religion, economics and post-colonial strife as all culminating in the Irish Troubles. This is more the, ‘perfect storm’ theory of terrorism that has been presented by American academics about Islamic terrorism. Krieger (2011) published one such, ‘perfect storm’ article examining the causes of terrorism. However, this entirely interdisciplinary approach runs the risk of being so broad that it ceases to offer any useful critiques altogether.
The literature pertaining to Terrorism and the Irish Troubles is remarkably varied, however, there is a distinct lack in the use of economics. Economic theories, economic data and the history all exist and are readily attainable. Even so, economic looks into the cause of the Troubles are rare and usually relegated to side