Total Peace: Assessment and Dilemmas
Three months before the end of the current government, and amid the recent resurgence of violence in Colombia, it is necessary to assess the "total peace" policy that goes beyond ideological readings and is based on evidence.
TL;DR
- The "total peace" policy in Colombia is facing criticism due to an increase in violence, despite a general consensus that security deterioration did not begin with the current government.
- Key structural problems include weaknesses in the design and implementation of ceasefires and judicial leniency, a weakening of security policy with reduced operational pressure, and negotiations with groups controlling territory and illegal economies without effective state presence.
- The policy creates incentives for armed actors to expand their territorial control and economic/military strength, leading to a perception of chaos due to numerous, unclear dialogue processes.
- A core dilemma is the legitimacy of the state negotiating with armed structures whose primary motivation is illegal economies, as opposed to political goals, differing from past negotiations with groups like the FARC.
- Future presidential candidates' proposals range from continuing "total peace" to reviving "democratic security," but all may err by equating peace with negotiation and contrasting it with security, failing to address the ultimate purpose of negotiation/submission and strategies to replace illegal economies.
- Integrating peace and security, and clearly defining the goals of negotiation and strategies for replacing illegal economies, are crucial for effective, long-term solutions.