Colombia's paramilitaries : criminals or political force? / David Spencer.

Format:

Book

Government document

Author/Creator:

Spencer, David E.

Contributor:

Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute

Dante B. Fascell North-South Center (Fla.)

Series:

Implementing Plan Colombia special series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Internal security--Colombia.

Internal security.

Paramilitary forces--Colombia.

Paramilitary forces.

Political violence--Colombia.

Political violence.

Drug traffic--Colombia.

Drug traffic.

Colombia--Politics and government--20th century.

Colombia.

Politics and government.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (v, 25 pages)

Place of Publication:

Carlisle, PA : Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College, [2001]

Language Note:

English.

Summary:

The intent of this monograph was to explore the multiple dimensions of Colombia's ongoing crisis and inform the public debate regarding the challenges faced by the statesmen, intellectuals, military strategists, and others who take on the responsibility to deal with that crisis. Hopefully, it will also generate serious reflection about the tough choices Colombian, U.S., and other global leaders face. The author points out, first, that the Colombian paramilitary self-defense forces represent some important sectors of society, and enjoy more popular support from Colombian society than the insurgents. Second, the paramilitaries have developed into a powerful irregular force that is proving itself capable of challenging Colombian guerrillas. Third, while they commit horrendous atrocities, they have been successful where the state has not. Therefore, the paramilitaries are seen by many as a viable solution to the conflict. Finally, he argues that, until the segments of the society represented by the paramilitaries are--somehow-- incorporated into the solution to the Colombian crisis, there will be no solution.

Contents:

Introduction

Origins of paramilitaries

The paramilitaries and the Medellin Cartel

Successes of the paramilitaries : areas cleared of guerrillas and making economic progress

Current links to drug traffickers

Why does the movement grow? Methods and tactics

Former a national front

Mapiripan

The state's reaction to the paramilitaries

Solutions?

Conclusions.

Notes:

Title from title screen.

"This monograph supplements a special series stemming from a major conference entitled 'Implementing Plan Colombia: Strategic and Operational Imperative' ... cosponsored by the Dante B. Fascell North-South Center of the University of Miami and the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College"--Foreword

"December 2001."

Includes bibliographical references.

Electronic reproduction. [Place of publication not identified] : HathiTrust Digital Library, 2011.

Other Format:

Spencer, David. Colombia's paramilitaries

OCLC:

49203741

Access Restriction:

Use copy Restrictions unspecified