Empire

The Troubles: Bloody Sunday & The British Army in Belfast (Ep 2)

Mar 31, 2025

Joining the discussion is Patrick Radden Keefe, the acclaimed author of 'Say Nothing,' known for his insights into the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He delves into the British Army’s internment policy and its impact on IRA recruitment. The conversation also highlights the transformation of peaceful protestors like the Price sisters into IRA fighters. Furthermore, Keefe examines the chilling events of Bloody Sunday and the colonial roots of British counter-insurgency tactics, adding depth to this turbulent history.

40:40

Episode guests

Patrick Radden Keefe

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The British Army's internment policy alienated the local population, inadvertently increasing support for the Provisional IRA amidst civil unrest.

The contrasting approaches between the provisional and official IRA factions led to significant internal divisions that complicated the broader conflict.

Deep dives

Escalation of Conflict in Northern Ireland

The violent escalation of conflict in Northern Ireland began with the Summer of 1969, marked by incidents like the Battle of the Bogside. The IRA's provisional wing emerged as a key player, initiating a significant bombing campaign aimed at the business infrastructure, which they perceived as a tool of British power. By the end of 1970, the number of bomb explosions reached alarming figures, with reports of over 150 incidents, leading to widespread terror among civilians. The provisional IRA attempted to minimize civilian casualties by issuing warnings, but communication failures often resulted in tragic and unintended loss of life.

Intro

2min

Escalation of Violence: The Provisional IRA in Belfast

18min

The Colonial Roots of Counter-Insurgency Tactics

2min

The Paradox of Military Valor in Counterinsurgency

3min

August 1971: A Turning Point in Belfast

12min

Negotiations and Disappointments: The IRA's Brief Ceasefire

3min

What was the British Army’s policy of “Internment” in Northern Ireland, and how did it drive membership for the Provisional IRA? Who was General Kitson? How did the Price sisters go from peaceful protestors to IRA frontline soldiers? What happened on Bloody Sunday?

In the second of four episodes, Anita and William are joined once again by Patrick Radden Keefe, author of Say Nothing, to discuss early IRA bombing campaigns in Belfast, and how the British Army in Northern Ireland employed methods used against other anti-colonial struggles across the British Empire.

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Assistant Producer: Becki Hills

Producer: Anouska Lewis

Senior Producer: Callum Hill

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