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A discussion of political violence in Colombia looks at institutional stability; the characteristics of escalating violence; the relationship between the armed forces & right-wing guerrillas; & the chances for peace. It is argued that the absence of strong collective ethnic, linguistic, religious, or ideological identities suggests that a generalized civil war is unlikely; however, the increasing social imbalance could cause a partial collapse of the state in both the political & economic realms. The "negative stalemate" that exists between the armed forces & guerrillas is described, along with the characteristics of paramilitary groups, death squads, & self-defense groups; & attempts to unify all self-defense groups under a national organization of contra-guerrillas. The current tendency toward the privatization of war & citizen security is discussed to argue that it implies a loss of governmental control over both arms & justice. It is contended that Colombia has become a problem for the international community because of the unremitting increase in violence, human rights abuses, corruption, the drug trade, & environmental destruction. Prospects for the future are discussed. J. Lindroth

A discussion of political violence in Colombia looks at institutional stability; the characteristics of escalating violence; the relationship between the armed forces & right-wing guerrillas; & the chances for peace. It is argued that the absence of strong collective ethnic, linguistic, religious, or ideological identities suggests that a generalized civil war is unlikely; however, the increasing social imbalance could cause a partial collapse of the state in both the political & economic realms. The "negative stalemate" that exists between the armed forces & guerrillas is described, along with the characteristics of paramilitary groups, death squads, & self-defense groups; & attempts to unify all self-defense groups under a national organization of contra-guerrillas. The current tendency toward the privatization of war & citizen security is discussed to argue that it implies a loss of governmental control over both arms & justice. It is contended that Colombia has become a problem for the international community because of the unremitting increase in violence, human rights abuses, corruption, the drug trade, & environmental destruction. Prospects for the future are discussed. J. Lindroth