Maurice Punch has reinvigorated the sociological study of corruption. The results are disquieting, fascinating and provocative. Paul Rock, Professor of Social Institutions, London School of Economics The period in Northern Ireland known as 'the Troubles' (1968-1998) seemed to have been conclusively ended by the official peace process. But recent violence from dissident Republicans shows that tensions from the past remain unresolved. This book reveals disturbing unanswered questions about the use of state violence during this period. Maurice Punch documents in chilling detail how the British government turned to desperate, illegal measures in a time of crisis, disregarding domestic and international law. He broadens out his analysis to consider other cases of state violence against 'insurgent groupsÿ in Spain and South Africa. This is the story of how the British state collaborated with violent groups and directly participated in illegal violence.

It also raises urgent questions about why states around the world continue to deploy such violence rather than seeking durable political settlements. Book jacket.