Researching the Shadow Economy of a Terrorist Group: An Archival and Interview-Based Approach

Abstract

Researching the inner workings of a terrorist group is an ambitious and challenging task. This case study provides a guide for how to tackle this subject area, tracing the methodological path taken to research the Provisional Irish Republican Army’s financial dealings, 1970–1998. The following study recounts (1) how semi-structured interviews and archival data can provide the foundations for a detailed, authoritative account in this area and (2) the practical difficulties of researching such subjects and the possible solutions. There continue to be deep gaps in the literature regarding how terrorist organizations operate, and students should use this study to expand their realm of possibilities.

locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles