Diogo Noivo - Uma História da ETA

A rigorous study of the history of the Basque organization in its political and operational factions.
"How and why does a terrorist organization emerge? What factors contribute to its greater or lesser longevity? Is terrorist violence an effective instrument for achieving political gains? What are the possible ways to end terrorist campaigns and cause the collapse of the group that practices them? These questions guide the analysis of ETA in this book. Finally, and despite ETA having limited its objectives to a region, given the historical and geographical proximity of Portugal and Spain, it is important to understand if, how, and when the ETA phenomenon had repercussions on this side of the border.

In the following pages, History constitutes the foundation of the analysis of power relations within the organization, between the organization and the State, and between the organization and society. Between the founding and dissolution of ETA, Spain – like much of Western Europe – traversed a path between state authoritarianism and the full implementation of a liberal democratic rule of law, passing through a period of democratic transition and consolidation. Together, this timeframe and the political and institutional diversity it encompasses offer an opportunity to test theories addressing the causes and enabling factors of terrorist violence, as well as to examine the strategies and measures designed to combat it. In short, it is an opportunity to uncover effective approaches to quelling a form of violence that not only jeopardizes the security of people and property but also undermines the institutional vitality of the state and the freedom of society.