'Squaring the circle': the foreign policy of Sinn Féin, 1983-1989

ISSN： 0790-7184

Source： Irish Political Studies, Vol.19, Iss.2, 2004-0, pp. : 43-63

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Abstract

The international profile that Sinn Féin has acquired is perhaps unparalleled in Ireland. The party has actively sought and developed this role for itself, both because of the material and political benefits that could be won and because its leaders were predisposed to see events in Ireland in a global context. These twin driving impulses, however, have not necessarily produced a logical and congruous foreign policy. On the contrary, the party has often had to try and ameliorate tensions between potentially conflicting international audiences. This tendency was particularly marked during the 1980s as the Adams leadership began to explore various avenues for ending Sinn Féin's political isolation. In so doing, they had to ensure that they 'squared the circle' of their various foreign policy alliances. Irish America remained by far the most important target audience for Sinn Féin, but alongside this, the party became increasingly keen to associate itself with radical groups from around the world.