{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.01708706265256306, 'fraction_numerical': 0.013018714401952807, 'mean_word_length': 5.180904522613066, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Back To the Back-channel

This chapter focuses on the use of the back-channel between the British government and the IRA from 1991 through 1993 and on the distinctive role of secrecy in the development of a sense of common purpose between the parties. It highlights the contribution of key British officials who advocated the reopening of the channel and an inclusive peace settlement. It also examines the importance of back-channel links between the Irish government and the SDLP on one hand, and Sinn Féin on the other, in creating pressure for progress. From 1989 onwards, the British government and the IRA made conciliatory public statements and gestures. Then, in April 1991, the British government reopened the back-channel to the IRA, sending an emissary to ask Brendan Duddy to act once again as intermediary. The particular back-channel involving Duddy established a joint project of secrecy, creating a shared task that built trust and mutual understanding. Close interpersonal relationships, continuity of personnel with previous phases of conflict, and the exclusion of internal opponents contributed to distinctively strong cooperative dynamics that helped to sustain cooperation and generate substantial progress.