“This volume is a model of lucidity and clarity and a joy to read. Although the particular case study is well known, Smith brings many new insights through an extensive trawl of the archives in London, Dublin, and Belfast, and in his use of private interviews.”
—Paul Arthur, University of Ulster

“This is an excellent study of a crucial period of British policy towards Northern Ireland. The author has done a very good job in searching the archives and producing a clear and coherent narrative in a detail that has not been matched before. This book is a useful addition to the literature on the Northern Ireland conflict because it is informed by a close understanding of the historical evidence and an acute knowledge of how the British and Irish political systems work.”
—Paul Dixon, Kingston University

“A highly intelligent, systematic, and original argument about a vitally important subject.”
—Richard English, University of St. Andrews

“Bill Smith provides us with a unique insight into the use of policy responses by states in managing and resolving violent political conflicts while placing his sharp lens on the unintended consequences of these policy responses. In using a range of case studies from Northern Ireland, dealing with policing, justice, and governance, the author shows how policymakers need to focus on ‘the context’ for their decisions and be more aware of the choices they make. There are tools here which will help ‘peace technicians’ heighten their awareness of the policymaking context. You will find solid evidence of what works and what does not in the policymakers’ world when dealing with violent political conflict.”
—Monica McWilliams, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

“This is an intelligent and impressive book, with a wealth of detail. Applying useful models from political science, Smith’s book is clear and cogent––a very accurate monograph which adds to our knowledge of the formative years of the Northern Ireland conflict. The book is admirably objective and few policy actors are spared criticism.”
—Jon Tonge, University of Liverpool