The provisional Irish republican army: Command and functional structure

Abstract

The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) has long been regarded as one of the most highly organised and sophisticated terrorist groups the world has seen. The command and functional structure of this large, hierarchically‐organised movement is outlined here. The adaptability of the PIRA is noteworthy as demonstrated through a major structural and functional reorganisation accentuated by external pressures. While the threat of PIRA terrorism continues, recommendations are emphasised for understanding and encouraging analyses of the command and functional structures of an organisation such as this.