NCJ Number
194326
Journal
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 2002 Pages: 127-143
Date Published
April 2002
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC) and examines its adaptation in the post-Cold War through its development of new political orientations, resources, and strategies.
Abstract
At the conclusion of the Cold War in Latin America and the end of the civil conflict in El Salvador, a wave of optimism spread with thoughts of the demobilization of the strongest insurgent force in the continent, indicating the decline of the guerrilla movements in Latin America. However, Columbian insurgents began developing new political orientations, resources, and strategies. Evidence of this was seen by the success of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The oldest armed organization had undergone a rapid adaptation to the new strategic scenario. The result was a new model of violent action. The guerrilla movements had undergone a transformation becoming a significant risk to those fragile democracies within the region. This article discusses this critical transformation through reviewing the Latin American insurgent groups during the Cold War, the political evolution of the FARC, the new military capabilities of the FARC, and their vulnerabilities. Notes