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Evaluating militant decision-making with information science: The Irish republican movement during the “Troublesâ€

Author

Listed:
  • Joshua Eastin

    (6685Portland State University, USA)

  • Emily Kalah Gade

    (1371Emory University, USA)

  • Michael Gabbay

    (7284University of Washington, USA)

Abstract

Why do militant groups decide to escalate or deescalate their use of violence in conflict? Examining the case of the “Troubles†in Northern Ireland, we analyze groups that adopt violence as a political strategy and evaluate factors that influence its application. To do so, we adopt a novel empirical approach to the study of militant groups. Drawn from information science, this approach enables estimation of variable influence and uncertainty within structured case studies, and is thus ideal for topics such as militant decision-making where systematic data collection is difficult.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua Eastin & Emily Kalah Gade & Michael Gabbay, 2024. "Evaluating militant decision-making with information science: The Irish republican movement during the “Troublesâ€," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 41(6), pages 715-734, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:41:y:2024:i:6:p:715-734
    DOI: 10.1177/07388942231216729
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    References listed on IDEAS

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