The impacts of the UK's counter-terrorism strategies on the formation and transformation of processes of radicalization of Ira

The Northern Ireland case, which reveals the effects of ethnic, sectarian, economic, cultural and political elements on the formation and transformation of conflict, provides researchers with all kinds of opportunities for detailed conflict analysis. The Northern Ireland case is one of the rare examples of changing conflict dynamics and post-conflict peace building phases. To these qualities, it has pioneered many studies and functioned as a handbook for different cases. In addition, the impact of the IRA, one of the main actors of the conflict, in the fields of security studies and the counter-terrorism, proves how necessary and valuable the analysis of the case is. The thesis aimed to analyse how individuals were radicalized and why they preferred violent extremism in the Northern Ireland case. In this direction, different radicalization models that stand out in the academic literature have been examined and the causal link between these models and the different counter-terrorism methods implemented by the UK has been emphasized. The main research question put forward by the thesis was formed to serve this purpose. "How do counter-terrorism strategies focused on military power and political repression affect radicalization processes?" In this context, the hypothesis defends the judgment that "counter-terrorism strategies based on military force and political pressure applied by political authorities and security actors accelerate radicalization processes". The data and observations obtained from the field as a result of these practices prove that counter-terrorism practices focused on military power and political pressure accelerate the radicalization processes of individuals and trigger counter-violence. Coercive strategies have created a boomerang effect, while conciliatory practices have opened up new possibilities for conflict resolution. This indicates the difference in the analysis that emerged in the scale of action and idea. Struggle with ideas and action cannot be managed with same methods. This element also represents the important difference between radicals and extremists. Countermeasures to be applied in this direction should likewise observe this fundamental distinction. In the Northern Ireland case, coercive counter-terrorism strategies have directly affected radicalization processes. The grievances that emerged as a result of these practices gave legitimacy to the claims of the terrorist organization. Thus, the IRA was able to strengthen its bond with the society and resource mobilization capacity.