Political violence over the past 15 years has consistently diminished, but several of the more illiberal features of the security enterprise have become more firmly institutionalized. Political conditions have had a least as great an impact on the character of the security policies as the persistence of violence and unrest. These include British priorities and capacities; the influence of organized party pressure, particularly that of the Protestant Unionist parties; and the impact of collective protest and resistance. The existing security system reflects the short-term interests and objectives of the British State, but it is also constrained by the popular Protestant and Catholic forces. While Britain has sought to enhance autonomy and a politically neutral internal security system, these attempts have provoked criticism from domestic forces, particularly the loyalists. At one level, British involvement mediates between the two sides and maintains law and order in a relatively impartial fashion. On another, British concern with stability and a commitment to majority consent for major political change has the effect of upholding the status quo. 69 footnotes.