Colombia's Paramilitaries: Criminals or Political Force?
Authored by Mr. David Spencer.
December 01, 2001
31 Pages
Brief Synopsis
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.
Summary
This monograph provides a sobering discussion of some important facts regarding Colombia's paramilitary organizations. It points out that the paramilitary "self-defense" organizations pose a complex problem for the Colombian state in its search for a solution to current 40-plus-year-old internal war. First, the paramilitaries represent some important sectors of society and enjoy more popular support from the Colombian people than the insurgents. Second, the paramilitaries have developed into a powerful irregular military force that is proving itself capable of challenging the guerrillas. Third, while they commit horrendous atrocities, they have been successful where the state has not. Therefore, they are seen by many as a viable solution to the continuing conflict. The author concludes with an admonition; that is, the paramilitary issue must be addressed, and hard choices have to be made. 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.
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