Political violence and the peace process in Colombia: What prospects?

Abstract

The author offers a conceptual introduction to political violence and then examines the trajectories of the FARC and the ELN, the two guerrilla forces operating in Colombia. The article also analyzes the peace negotiations in the country and the evolution of the attitudes held in recent years by both the Colombian State and the rebel forces. It concludes by outlining the possible scenarios—and their causal factors—to which the negotiation may lead: an escalation of military confrontation or a transition towards formal negotiation.