The Role of Brexit in The IRA’s Re-Rise and Securitized Areas

30.01.2024 | Elif Dilan TÜTMEZ

The United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (EU) in 2016, commonly known as Brexit, has presented unique challenges for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland, which has a troubled history full of violent conflicts, has been negatively affected by this change in UK-EU relations The reintroduction of a 'hard border' on the island of Ireland has resulted in increased securitisation in the economic, social, and political spheres of Northern Ireland. With Brexit, the possibility of disrupting the peace environment provided by the 1998 Belfast Agreement has arisen and the future or integrity of the United Kingdom has been one of the main topics of discussion on the agenda. In this context, the Irish Republican Army (IRA), a significant actor in the Northern Ireland conflict, has resurfaced. Despite having engaged in a disarmament process between 2001 and 2005, the IRA's activities have increased since 2016, causing societal concern. This study argues that Brexit has provided an opportunity for the IRA to pursue its goal of a 'united Ireland'. The accuracy of this claim is examined within the framework of securitisation theory in the field of international relations. The objective of this study is to shed light on the factors contributing to the resurgence of the IRA in recent years and to assess the risks faced by the United Kingdom in light of Brexit and securitisation theory.