Hunting the watchmen the Ulster Defence Regiment and IRA strategy

Daniel Chesse

Small Wars and Insurgencies, 2024, vol. 35, issue 4, 545-572

Abstract: The Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) were unique within the context of the Troubles-79% of their nearly 200 UDR casualties came while off-duty. This article frames these attacks, assesses their impact and concludes whether certain individuals (such as Catholics) were specifically targeted. I demonstrate that such tactics were ruthless pragmatism and were influenced by regionality. The IRA focused on eliminating security forces, although some pursued personal vendettas. I forward that overall, the IRA consistently demonstrated a concept of target legitimacy – ‘legitimacy frameworks’. I conclude that these practices are not only common, but should be anticipated in counterinsurgencies.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1080/09592318.2024.2319671

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