Parasites and Predators: Guerrillas and the Insurrection Economy of Colombia

摘要: " ... the negative impact of violence and insecurity generated by guerrilla activities has tended to be more serious for Colombia since 1990 as its economy opened up globalization, than when remained relatively insulated from international competition." From issues foreign policy administration justice way that citizens travel within their own country, Colombia's movement today permeate every aspect Colombian government civil society. The insurrection's 40 year-old conflict with state is largely responsible roughly a quarter all kidnappings worldwide, large-scale destruction communities infrastructure, significant part one-half million displaced persons chronic "brain drain," some nation's most educated emigrate safer nations. In addition becoming force politically, groups have established broad-based underground economies regular expenses, coherent flows income systematized investments both in illicit formal economy. Now, at beginning 21st century, opens economically world, will increasingly threaten recent economic prosperity places them among outstanding examples level successfully self-financed insurgent groups.(1) Twenty years after emergence 1960s, embarked on decisive stage ascent allowed sustain tremendous growth ranks well territorial expansion increase military power.(2) two main groups, Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) National Liberation Army (ELN), succeeded designing applying multiple strategies acquiring utilizing financial resources amounting US$ 1.5 day.(3) These monies are secured different ways, depending degree control guerrillas attained each territory.(4) Since early 1980s, rebels systematically drained large amounts prosperous sectors national economy, many which linked markets generate revenues currencies. But these important not only sources income. Guerrilla been progressively widening radius activities, now paying taxes guerrillas. fact, areas controlled forces, there scarcely any businesses do pay tribute armed groups. Refusal forced contributions can result kidnapping business owners, family members or officials an organization. Kidnapping ransoming guerrilla--which victimize hundreds people year--also function independent source necessarily non-payment compulsory contributions. Beyond extortion kidnapping, profit cattle theft, bank robbery removal funds city administrations. Furthermore, produce interest other earnings through variety money-laundering mechanisms. naturally, face range ongoing consisting chiefly costs maintaining expanding combat fronts undertaking construction industry also allocate political action, maintenance precarious social security system families carrying out occasional infrastructure work remote regions. Yet very portion resources, perhaps much 80 percent, spent immediately activity. …