Colombia's Paramilitaries: Criminals or Political Force?

This monograph provides a sobering discussion of some important facts regarding Colombias paramilitary organizations. It points out that the paramilitary self-defense organizations pose a complex problem for the Colombian state in its search for a solution to current 40-plus-year-old internal war. First, the paramilitaries represent some important sectors of society and enjoy more popular support from the Colombian people than the insurgents. Second, the paramilitaries have developed into a powerful irregular military force that is proving itself capable of challenging the guerrillas. Third, while they commit horrendous atrocities, they have been successful where the state has not. Therefore, they are seen by many as a viable solution to the continuing conflict. The author concludes with an admonition that is, the paramilitary issue must be addressed, and hard choices have to be made. Until the segments of the society represented by the paramilitaries are, somehow, incorporated into the solution to the Colombian crisis, there will be no solution.