Within this hypothetical crisis, Soviet-linked elements of the Irish Republican Army might create trouble in Northern Ireland and divert British attention. Other parts of the IRA might suppress that action because American support mattered more to the movement than Soviet backing. Alex Clarke bases this tentative expectation on conversations with historians who specialize in Northern Ireland. Assisting an attack on Norway while disrupting Britain could damage the movement's American connections. A sympathetic faction would therefore have to contend with the IRA's own priorities before acting in Soviet interests.
Notable Point · 1:33:15-1:34:29
Why proxy disruption might fail in Northern Ireland
Soviet-linked IRA factions might seek to distract Britain, but dependence on American support could give the wider movement reasons to stop them.