Nationalist terrorism
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| Terrorism |
| General |
|---|
| Definition |
| Conventions |
| Counterterrorism |
| Lists |
| Groups |
| Incidents |
| Types |
| Nationalist |
| Religious |
| Left-wing |
| Right-wing |
| State |
| Ethnic |
| Narcoterrorism |
| Domestic |
| Anarchist |
| Political |
| Eco-terrorism |
| Tactics |
| Hijacking |
| Assassination |
| Car bombing |
| Suicide bombing |
| Kidnapping |
| Bioterrorism |
| Nuclear terrorism |
| Cyber-terrorism |
| Configurations |
| Fronts |
| Independent actors |
Nationalist terrorism is a form of terrorism through which participants attempt to form an independent state against what they consider an occupying, imperial, or otherwise illegitimate state. "Nationalist terrorism" has also been used to describe groups attempting to create a state which upholds the rights of a group (national, ethnic, or other) that they consider oppressed or denied of basic rights granted to others in the state.
As with the definition of terrorism, the characterization of "nationalist terrorism" is highly contentious. Both what constitutes an illegimate regime, and what types of violence and war are acceptable against one, are subjects of heated debate worldwide. Groups described by some as "nationalist terrorists" tend to consider themselves "freedom fighters," engaged in valid but asymmetric warfare.
The following are nationalist groups, which in some circles have been deemed "terrorist":
- Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA)
- Contras
- Front de Libération du Quebec -- (FLQ)
- Provisional Irish Republican Army -- (PIRA)
- Kosovo Liberation Army -- (KLA)
- Kurdistan Workers' Party -- (PKK)
- MKO Operating against current Iranian Government
- National Liberation Front
- Palestine Liberation Organization -- (PLO)
- al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades (armed wing of the Fatah)
- Sons of Liberty
Some nationalist groups' activities are viewed by others as Left-wing terrorism or Religious terrorism, or can be included in both categories. Examples include:
- The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine
- The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
- Euzkadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA)
- Hamas
- Islamic Jihad
- Irgun
- Lehi
- Fatah
Northern Ireland conflict
The conflict in the northeast of Ireland (1968-97) is characterised by the competing nationalist claims of the two communities there. One, described as Catholic or "Nationalist", mainly descended from the native Irish inhabitants, identifies itself as Irish and want the six counties under British jurisdiction to leave the United kingdom and unite with the Republic of Ireland. Paramilitary groups with this Irish republican ideology include:
Irish Republican Army (IRA) (1916-present) **
- Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) (1969-present). It is currently on ceasefire and has destroyed much of its weaponry. It is a splinter group of the 'Official IRA. Supporters of the PIRA split from 'Official Sinn Féin to form Provisional Sinn Féin. Provisional Sinn Féin was later known simply as Sinn Féin (while 'Official' Sinn Féin eventually became the Workers' Party).
- Under ceasefire since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.
- Splinter groups:
- Continuity Irish Republican Army (CIRA) (1986-present). Also known as the "Continuity Army Council" and "Óglaigh na hÉireann (Gaelic for 'Volunteers of Ireland'). It is not on ceasefire.
- Real Irish Republican Army (RIRA) (1997-present). Also known as the True IRA and Óglaigh na hÉireann (Gaelic for Volunteers of Ireland. It is not on ceasefire.
- Irish National Liberation Army small Marxist group - a split from the Official IRA. It is not on ceasefire.
The other community, which is commonly identified as Protestant or Unionist is largely descended from Scottish and English settlers who arrived in Ulster in the Plantations of Ireland. This community, which forms a slight majority in Northern Ireland, regards itself as British and paramilitary groups from this community describe themselves as loyalists. They have often received assistance from the British security forces and are noted for their liking of "soft targets",ie Catholics with no political or paramilitary connections.
- Ulster Defence Association (UDA) (1971-present). Legal in the United Kingdom until 1992. **
- They often use the name the "Ulster Freedom Fighters," or UFF. On February 22, 2003, they announced a "complete and utter cessation" of all acts of violence for one year. It said it will review its ceasefire every three months.
- Red Hand Defenders (1998-present). UDA splinter group. Opposes ceasefire.
- Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). Officially on ceasefire.
- Red Hand Commando. Cover name for UVF.