The rise and fall of Shining Path

Abstract

We explain the uses of the Peruvian conflict ethnic that allowed the Shining Path to grow during twelve years like belligerent force, until constituting themselves in a real threat to the viability of the Peruvian State, from the analysis of the process of constitution of the nucleus leader of the party, of their maoísta political-ideological project and of the applied insurrectionary strategy. And we indicate some elements that explain their resounding defeat.