Publication

This report examines the context and main problems of the negotiations between the Colombian government and different insurgent groups. After an introduction the report discusses origin and transformation of the paramilitary groups. Subsequently, the paper reviews political, economic and military sources of power of the paramilitaries before it reviews the talks between the insurgents and the government. Finally, the paper weighs the pros and cons of impunity versus justice and assesses risks and challenges of negotiations. The paper argues that Colombia is at a decisive point that could lead toward peace.