Methodological approach to the evolution of a terrorist organisation: ETA, 1959–2018

Abstract

Founded in December 1958, Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) was dissolved on 11 May 2018. During its almost sixty years of existence, ETA underwent phases of military offensive and then a decline in its operational activity. In order to understand the limits of these episodes and their reasons, we have created an original database listing all the actions of the armed group. Our analysis contributes to highlighting the strategic developments of the clandestine organisation and stimulating discussion of the conclusions previously drawn from the group’s databases of fatal victims. We will thus consider the consequences of methodological choices on the interpretation of the history of a clandestine organisation.