Colombian conflict and political transition to post-conflict. Causes and territorial dimensions
Research Group in Conflict and International Relations (University of Magdalena)
(2014 -2017)
This research delved into the complexities of social struggles in Colombia, examining the
temporal, contextual, and dynamic aspects of power struggles between elites and various
social factions. These disputes have been pivotal in shaping subversive groups across the
South American nation. The study involved the review of both primary and secondary sources.
Primary sources encompassed interviews conducted with negotiators during peace talks in
Havana, while secondary sources comprised academic works meticulously scrutinizing the
Colombian conflict's evolution. The investigation revealed that the political and economic
elites bore significant responsibility for forming groups that sought to disrupt Colombia's
social and political fabric. Many of these groups emerged as responses to the imperative
need to challenge the prevailing power structures in Colombia, aiming to break free from the
relentless cycle of violence that has plagued the nation for decades. In the words of Falls
Borda (2008), the elites have effectively transformed the state into a perpetual
battleground, rendering the practice of politics akin to a war exercise. This phenomenon has
contributed to the erosion of the social bonds within the nation, subjecting its core
societal elements to enduring structural violence. Consequently, the path toward resolving
the Colombian conflict and transitioning into a post-conflict era hinges on addressing the
structural issues inherent in Colombian society. This includes, crucially, the recognition
by the elites of the historical struggles faced by marginalized sectors of society.