Operation Demetrius and its aftermath

A new history of the use of internment without trial in Northern Ireland 197175

By (author) Martin J. McCleery

Publication date:

01 June 2015

Length of book:

200 pages

Publisher

Manchester University Press

Dimensions:

234x156mm

ISBN-13: 9780719096303

This book examines the use of internment without trial in Northern Ireland between 1971 and 1975. This research provides a more comprehensive account of internment and assesses previously unexplored aspects of its use. The book considers the high politics and intelligence surrounding the introduction of internment and in doing so accepted narratives regarding the measure are challenged. The book also highlights long-term and short-term consequences which developed from the internment period; some of which have not been given adequate consideration before. In addition this book traces the evolution of ‘The Troubles’ outside of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry between 1970 and 1972. It is argued that the development of the dynamics of the conflict across the whole of Northern Ireland was certainly more gradual and possibly less inevitable than has been previously identified.

Introduction
1 Prelude to internment
2 High politics, intelligence and the introduction of internment
3 Legacies of internment
4 The evolution of ‘The Troubles’ outside of Belfast and Derry before internment
5 The evolution of ‘The Troubles’ outside of Belfast and Derry after internment
6 Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

‘A serious and lucid analysis of one of the most controversial episodes in the history of the British state and army since the end of the war.’
Paul Bew, Emeritus Professor, Queen’s University Belfast and author of Ireland: The Politics of Enmity

‘A forensic analysis of the political and operational consequences of internment without trial in Northern Ireland. McCleery has marshalled a wealth of original sources and delivered a valuable contribution to the literature on Northern Ireland’s Troubles.’
Edward Burke, Assistant Professor in International Relations, University of Nottingham

‘Well-researched and well-argued, this is the go-to book on internment.’
Samantha Newbery, Reader in International Security, University of Salford, Manchester

‘Martin McCleery has produced a brilliant panoramic view of the policy of internment introduced in Northern Ireland in August of 1971, based on superb research, clever analysis and careful thought. This is a tour de force.’
Margaret O’ Callaghan, Reader in History and Politics, School of History Anthropology Philosophy and Politics, Queen’s University Belfast