Is COLOMBIA returning to CONFLICT?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

I have wanted to cover Colombia for ages. The 2016 deal between the government and the FACR was one of the most significant peace agreements this century. However, while it is rightly held up as a huge achievement, the country still faces enormous problems from armed insurgents and criminal groups. But can this widespread conflict ever be beaten? As ever, I look forward to your thoughts and comments below. By the way, I will be taking a couple of weeks off from regular videos. However, I thought to try to do a couple of Q&A videos to post while I take a break. (I haven't done any in ages.) If you have any questions, drop them below. Anything reasonable goes!

[@VladTevez]

Colombia peace agreement: challenged. Prespa Agreement: challenged. Budapesr Memorandum: farce. Have treaties and agreements lost their significance?

[@skeetrix5577]

I can't believe Colombia is still in a shooting war with communists after all these years. excellent analysis, as always professor! I really enjoy your weekly videos!

[@Todd.B]

Who is supplying all these weapons, do you know? I don't see it ending because once you involve drug trafficking and other illegal means of funding, there are people who don't want that situation to end and will do anything to keep those illegal means running.

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

Can you please do a seperate video discussing the importance of medical freedoms and human rights?

[@anonduckduck]

How many countries/continents have you travelled to or lived in and which ones? Apologies if this has been asked before prof

[@ScreenProductions]

American here 🇺🇸 currently in Colombia My girlfriend of 5 years is here and we plan to marry and live in the states and Colombia. Visiting the less touristy cities like Armenia and living in a small town, I certainly don’t feel any sense of danger. Lots of malls, restaurants, KFC, Papa’s Pizza, Home Store which is Colombia’s version of Sam’s Club. However… you do feel the undercurrent - that sense that people here speak of the past in hushed tones. And just tonight I took a keen look at house construction in the barrio in which my girlfriend and I currently live - iron fortified doors and windows - made me pause and remember that despite the county’s beauty, never let your guard down - but that’s anywhere you travel honestly. Beautiful people, beautiful country, and despite the sentiment of some here on YT due to Medellín’s touristification and gentrification, I personally haven’t faced such negative sentiment from the locals - just welcomed embrace and lots of invitations to visit homes and fincas and I hope that never changes. 🇨🇴🇺🇸

[@alejandrodiaz3855]

Go down to Putumayo and see if you still feel the same way 😂😂

[@ralphquintero3350]

​@@alejandrodiaz3855 The solution is very, very simple. Tell the Pentagon to stop sending weapons to Colombia! Problem solved!!

[@christopher9727]

..... Do you know Jesus Christ can set you free from sins and save you from hell today Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Romans 6.23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@animeturnMMD]

@@alejandrodiaz3855 El sabe, por eso no baja hasta allá le gringo es optimista no bruto. :V

[@John.Pdcsta]

​​@@ScreenProductions i am from Europe i have lived Colombia 16 years . I know most of Colombia . What you fail to understand is that Colombia is very much divided in standards of life There are so many plsces forgotten by the goverment . Places like Choco ,Tumaco, la guajira Uruba ..no investment at all lots of real poverty .When you know these places then you will begin to understand Colombia

[@erf3176]

Good summary of a complex and long conflict. It would be worth highlighting the role that geography plays in Colombia's inability to control its territory. Communities isolated by terrain that's mountainous, filled with jungles, or swampy has resulted in a nation that has never fully been in control of its land. The geographic barriers are such that Colombia is the second country in the world to develop a commercial airline. They did this not because it was an industrialized nation but because it was a strong necessity to link the territory using air strips and amphibious planes that could land using rivers. This isolation of various areas is a running theme in 100 Years of Solitude. Even to this day, the geography limits government control and bringing force to bear in one place tends to merely redistribute criminal and guerrilla activity like squeezing one end of a ballon and having the air shift inside. Also the period of the National Front (Frente Nacional) that put an end to Colombia's war between liberals and conservatives by having a back-n-forth power sharing from late 50-early 70s created a situation where the conflict between those two strong factions mostly ended. But in essence, they were conspiring to keep any other factions out of the political process. It solved one huge problem, creating a whole new set of problems when those who weren't allowed to participate inside the system had only one way to engage: violent opposition.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. This is a really great point. In my security studies classes, I always make this point about geography and insurgencies. It is indeed crucial.

[@peterkops6431]

What an excellent comment.

[@realtalk6195]

Great post. There's a lot of countries where rural regions are outside government control. That's how successful insurgencies can happen in many cases. It's common all over Asia and Subsaharan Africa.

[@ericpowell4350]

That's a well formulated excuse but Colombia still operates like a Spanish viceroyalty minus Spain. They have no intentions of uniting the nation when the criminal element benefits from the lack of control. They simply make too much money for themselves and corrupt politicians.

[@FenriZz]

May I hug u?

[@byrlink]

Something truly amazing about Colombia is that even having seemingly endless cicles of violence with countless criminal organizations, it just broke all its records of international tourists arriving to the country and became the third most visited (with 5 million) in Latin America, even ahead of Brazil, Perú or Argentina.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

It really is incredible, but in some ways unsurprising. The fighting seems to be in rural areas, far from usual tourist spots. But to be beating Brazil, Peru and Argentina is still quite some achievement.

[@mynameisjeff.]

@@JamesKerLindsay I'm a digital nomad making my through Latin America and in Medellin as we speak. It's a wonderful city that has done an amazing job at fixing the safety issues that plagued it for so many years. New regulations that require transient lodging to ID any visitors that the tourist has and requires them to be escorted by the tourist to exit the building, has dramatically reduced the drugging's, robberies, and child exploitation. The weather is perfect, the woman are beautiful, and in El Poblado I feel very safe. As more and more men adopt the digital nomad/passport bro lifestyle to find a better life for themselves outside of the obese/feminist west, Columbia will continue to grow as a destination. Brazil is great but Portuguese is less familiar and it doesn't have legalized prostitution. Lima has very little going for it. Buenos Aires has a more western style culture which is the exact thing that men are trying to get away from, so why would we go there? If you're a successful man looking to relax and enjoy the company of a beautiful woman, there's no better place in the Americas than Columbia.

[@Lex_Lugar]

@@mynameisjeff. that’s not a new regulation and “digital nomads" have been in Medellin for 10 years now. Learn how to spell Colombia. The broes arriving super late to the Medellin trend are really cringe. Be better.

[@VTh-f5x]

​@@Lex_Lugarhaha you stole their soul. 😂

[@carlosbedoya6012]

@@mynameisjeff. Maybe starting by spelling it correctly would be a good start. ColOmbia

[@peterkops6431]

I’ve found Colombia to be a really interesting country to keep an eye on in recent decades. A lot always happening.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks, Peter. I completely agree. It is an important country with a difficult history. When I was working on the video, I pulled up President Petro's speech at the UN General Assembly in 2022. It was remarkable to hear the leader of a country speak with so much frank honesty. He acknowledged the deep-rooted problems of violence Colombia faced. One can only hope that his efforts succeed.

[@neilrmartin1984]

Really interesting, if rather depressing, update. It's astonishing how in these circumstances Colombia's democracy and economy have remained intact, and even prospered when compared to its neighbours. Despite the huge inequalities that you mention, as well as the ongoing security challenges, I think in some ways Colombia is a regional success story. I would be interested to know to what extent the situation in Venezuela is impacting upon Colombia's security and overall stability

[@byrlink]

@@neilrmartin1984 Venezuelan migration towards Colombia has affected us greatly. We have received close to three million Venezuelans in the last few years, most of them settling irregularly in our country, understandably, but straining our government social programs and increasing crime rates, as they couldn’t be processed by our justice system without their officially issued Venezuelan documentation. Feel free to ask me more about that or anything else about Colombia.

[@segiraldovi]

I am Colombian and I will give you a little more context: - Colombia has a peculiarity and it is that the great majority of the population is in the Andes, why? The answer is that we are located right above the Equator and if you are not at high altitude you will realize that the heat is unbearable, and the disadvantage of being in the mountains is that building infrastructure is much more expensive than in the plains (to that you have to add that the Colombian Pacific and the south of the country are full of tropical forest that is difficult to access), so it is normal that monitoring the entire territory is a rather complicated task - Colombia has always been immersed in civil wars (Federalists vs. Centralists or Liberals vs. Conservatives), the detail is that the great majority of armed groups in the country were formed in the 60s and 70s, which were Communist groups. The violence escalated a lot with drug trafficking and for good in 1991 a new constitution was signed (the current one). This was the first constitution that both parties and the whole country in general agreed to. Before this, I personally considered Colombia to be a banana republic. - The 1991 constitution initially attacked many of the criticisms that the guerrillas had of the system, making it more free, and with the fall of the USSR, which showed that communism did not work, it should have been assumed that they would demobilize... which did not happen. - Basically, since the 2000s, the guerrillas have acted more like criminal/drug trafficking groups rather than political guerrillas. In 2016, they were pardoned and allowed to keep part of the drug trafficking money. A year later, an investigation began into some of the leaders who were suspected of continuing to traffic drugs, and it was no coincidence that 2 weeks later they rearmed. Personally, I believe that the problem we have with the guerrillas is the same as the one Mexico has with the cartels. As long as drug trafficking is profitable/illegal, they will have monetary incentives to continue being a group outside the law that hides behind a political idea that reflects a country that no longer exists.

[@peterkops6431]

@@segiraldovi thanks for that very revealing comment. I learned a lot from it. 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@pablitocastellanos6730]

I’m a Colombian political scientist and I must highlight that this explanation is very well developed and accurate. Not everything can be covered in such short time. One important and general aspect to take into account as to why the current scenario is different to the 2016 deal is this: the FARC went into the negotiating table weakened after a very effective military reorganization and offensive starting in the year 2000 (albeit stained by war crimes). Fighting had stagnated and the government in office was fully committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict. The two governments following the Santos presidency (one right and one left) have been characterized by lack of foresight and little political will to implement what was agreed and improve living conditions in marginalized areas (including the protection of ex-combatants). This is ripe ground for other groups to expand and consolidate. Over the last six years the’ve had immense gains. And so therefore, having much to win in the fighting arena, it’s not to expect that they’ll have much will to cede in the negotiation table.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much! Yes, there was a huge amount of material to be condensed. I hope I did it fairly and accurately in such a short space of time. But it is always great when experts come in to the comments section with further details and explanations. I always appreciate it. It adds a lot to viewers’ knowledge. Thank you again.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

From what I know of Colombia, I felt mentioning FARC was weakened by 2016 would have been very useful in the video. I have lots of Colombian friends as a Latino American and I’ve followed Colombia news loosely. I felt that in the 2000’s and after, FARC was not much in the news and kept hearing how Colombia was getting safer. What you mention now makes sense to me why FARC negotiated in 2016…seems they realized their future was going to keep declining and now was the best time to negotiate. And the government would rather make concessions now that aren’t extreme than keep fighting and maybe get totally victory but at a larger costs than the concessions they are making. As William Spaniel says, Lines on Maps. This video is 13 min of content with know few minutes of recent history so can’t have everything in it

[@luiscarlospallaresascanio2374]

"The government in office was fully committed to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict." It was the most violent government in history and you said it yourself, it wanted everyone dead, including leftists to "purge" the country of "scum", the peace process has had many defects such as the protection of ex-combatants, killed by the same right wing that you say wanted a peaceful solution, they want everyone dead. Guerrillas or not.

[@AlejoToro-f3w]

Professor as a long time watcher of your work I must thank you for this video. I am from Colombia and because I studied outside of the country its hard for me to explain just how complicated the armed conflict is and how how the county's history has napcted it. I thank you again and hope one day you may visit my beautiful country as luckily the conflcit is quite contained to certain rural areas. 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. I would really love to go. I have heard how beautiful it is - and how safe it is in the cities. I made it to neighbouring Peru a few years ago. And I was very tempted to join a political tour of Colombia a few months ago. Hopefully, I will get the chance at some point. In the meantime, I hope the efforts to tackle the problems succeed.

[@merlinspot]

Luckily?????? as long as the death are poor and far away from the "peaceful" cities, everything is lucky?,... incredible statement !!! total absence of humanity.

[@Colaeroimages]

​@@merlinspot it used to be nationwide, literally all over the country. Considering this, while not exactly terrific news, it is certainly a massive improvement that the conflict is currently more constrained to a smaller area, from a purely geographical point of view

[@JD-bs4xy]

3:25 Fun fact: Simon Bolivar was Helped By Haïti To liberate Grand Colombia. The Colombian flag was conceived and was first raised in Jacmel Haïti. 🇭🇹🇨🇴

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks! Very interesting. People often forget that Haiti was in fact the second independent state in the Americas.

[@williamlloyd3769]

You’d think the insurgency would have lost support of the public. Presence of drug trade and money means this activity could continue indefinitely

[@AGS363]

Yep, with money you buy everything. Including any support you want. And thanks to the drugs (and other criminal endeavors) they have more than enough money.

[@Gobbldeegoo1]

As long as the government wages a drug war, they will always be at odds with the human experience. Legalization would end the insurgency and the cartels fueled by the black market drug trade within a few years.

[@darxed]

I'm Colombian. The insurgency has never had any public support, at least since the 70s. They prey on small villages and abduct teens, so they can train them as soldiers and build up their base. The drug trade and the lack of support of the government in rural areas, due in no small part to our geography, makes them sometimes the only option for making money so the people in these areas have to coexist with them.

[@AGS363]

@@darxed So they are just a cartell with red paint.

[@juangomez1704]

@@AGS363 Exactly, they are criminals who hide cowardly behind a political flag.

[@libardomm.trasimaco]

Conservo la esperanza que algún dia lleguemos a esa añorada paz. Gracias por el resumen.

[@colombianguy8194]

Excellent video Professor James. It resumes all of the challenges that my country is still facing nowadays. An important element of the history is that the late 90's early 2000's FARC was strong, but The Colombian army underwent a big transformation with the help of the United States, becoming way more effective at counter insurgency operations that made big tactical and political wins for the Colombian government. That also forced the FARC into new negotiations.

[@peterkops6431]

Thanks as always Prof 👍🏻🇦🇺👍🏻

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much, Peter. Have a great weekend!

[@d.f.9064]

Insurgency lasted so long, it became a way of life. Those soldiers have no other life to go back to.

[@charlesdegaulle7986]

It’s really difficult when the president allows guerrillas groups strengthening their operations 😢our security is more weak every day.

[@donTeo136]

And thats the truth, i rather doubt had the public know the truth we would be at this point now, who would voted for this...?

[@LenisProductions]

The only period Colombia almost got rid of the violence brought by the narco-guerrlla was when Alvaro Uribe was a president… Seems so difficult to find another leader like him today though

[@matzc557]

The video is informative and fairly neutral. Maybe there are two mayor components missing: Colombia had a two party system that was almost at constant war trough the whole Colombian history. This situation made especially difficult to develop rural areas. the peace talks with the m19 which are considered a success. The m19 guerrilla was very different to the others both in the reason why it appeared and it’s modus operandi. Still the agreements with the m19 culminated with the m19 members becoming mayor political players (nowadays president was an m19 member). And the setup for the 1991 constitution. After this many peace talks were held with both las FARC and ELN. The hope with Petro was that because he was an insider in the peace deals with the m19, he would have an understanding of the ELN needs in order to achieve the yearned peace

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. I did mention the problem of the two party system. Unfortunately, I simply couldn’t cover all the different groups. But there have indeed been some notable successes aside from the FARC.

[@JvmCassandra]

Looking into Colombian history, it is no wonder men like Pablo Escobar rose to prominence. The country has been in perpetual turmoil. That created a fierce local population, whose was brutalized into believing nothing but force .

[@KRhyder-p5m]

I am travelling in Colombia and have been for months. The violence is real, but not widespread. Most of this country is peaceful and filled with wonderful folks that are passionate and compassionate. Yes, there are inequalities. In what country are there not. And yes they have a ways to go. I love it here, and pray that all violence ends. And that Colombia flourishes.

[@cc_vargas]

As a colombian thank you this brief but we'll structured recap

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. It is always difficult trying to condense so much information into short explainer videos.

[@CjqNslXUcM]

Imagine the confusion of a bright-eyed history student attempting to walk in the footsteps of Guevara and join the global marxist-leninist revolution, when he realizes he's joined a drug cartel.

[@EdMcF1]

A not very attentive student then.

[@brayancepeda1814]

The last group that most resembled an actual socialist revolution was the M-19. There is a very interesting story of guerillas having a proper political party called UP, and winning in all polls for presidential and congress elections back in 85, and the conservative right-wing parties just ended with them one by one.

[@miguelvicentemarin4001]

Excellent and very knowledgeable analysis.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much!

[@LUISOROZCO-yp9jb]

Several facts will remain damaging the actual peace agreement: 1. Lack of proper execution of compromises within the agreement. 2. Lack of political comitment to implement the deal 3. Strong demand of cocaine worldwide

[@GHerna54]

and I will add 4. Corruption at all levels of government

[@AndresFelipe0402]

Don't forget US role throught the DEAs deal with the general prosecutor Martínez Neira for entrampment of Jesus Santrich that's a BIG ONE to miss

[@nabilalhami1681]

Mr. James, are you going to cover the recent developments in Bangladesh anytime soon?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. It came too late for this week. And I’m going to take a few weeks off. Let’s see how things go. Bangladesh is fascinating.

[@erwingaravito5900]

What about Palestine?? To serious for a scary voice?

[@George8128]

A Colombian here, thank you for this video and for your interest in our country. There is a foundational problem in Colombia...the land. After the 1810 declaration of independence and the subsequent conflicts has been an endless instability where the same four powerful creole families have instigated division among Colombians to remain in power. The so called independence was not a liberation for people it was a mere power substitution were creoles wanted to gain control over land and its richness and stop paying taxes to the king. Same unchanged framework since 1815 ... That was the reason for which the peace process ended up into a referendum and lost with a shameful NO ... And the right winged factions of these descendants have done all to sabotage the implementation of the peace agreements and promoted the paramilitaries and former guerrilla enemies as an evidence of a failed process.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much for the comment. It is always really challenging to take on such complex subjects like Colombia. There are so many diverse elements that play into the situation. This was one of those cases where the country's present problems are steeped in a vast amount of history. Thank you so much for helping to bring this out more clearly. I really appreciate it.

[@viejoditi]

It never ceases to surprise me how in this 21 century people continue to believe that handing out land to peasants by means of an agrarian reform will somewhow achieve peace. Rich, industrial, peaceful nations have huge land ownership concentration. The continuation of violence after the Santos peace process is not not due to right wing "uribistas" sabotage. Is not right wingers who killi the demobilized former combatants. Colombia's violence is not a concotion of right wing elites, it is the brain child of communists, followers of the Cuban (and now Venezuela) regime, fuelled by the cocaine dollars they love! And you know it.

[@George8128]

@@JamesKerLindsay Once again thank you very much indeed professor for such a good depiction of the situation, which in your words is way more complex. But, despite the chaotic and complex multidimensional problem that is portrayed, at every stage since 1815 there are distinctive critical common elements ... very few in numbers.

[@netero1682]

@@George8128 As long as the current political right continues with this paramilitary thinking, its counterpart the guerrillas will also exist, it is as if the existence of one feeds the other and vice versa. That division that still exists in the country will always continue, unless both political classes end. They would practically have to eli mi na te all the politicians in the country and install new ones, as if a new country were created.

[@jusebacho]

You are blind for your own political bias, when somebody start to talk about paramilitar in 2024 like if they still are a thing now, really bother me because I’m from the Cauca, and I know the conflict because I live in the conflict here, and are not paramilitars any more, just guerrilas, they still call they’re self FARC, ELN, Quintin Lame… etc, they don’t exist because the paramilitars but the paramilitars existed because the guerrilas. You are doing a small reduction of the conflict acording of your political views from far of the conflict which is valid but I think could be nice if the people try to go deeper in this kind of subject when we are people that suffer in first person the chooses and opinions that turn in “true” at the same time we live a different reality

[@warriorking6477]

Colombia is a beautiful country. Its like my second home even though I am from the other side of the world. I have travelled to the rural towns and villages, stayed with farmers and ate farm fresh food, enjoyed music and dance, absorbed the natural beauty. The country has a violent past, violent means blood and gore violent. The people are trying to forget about those dark days and building a future for themselves and their future generations. The people are amazing and kind. But always have a bit of a caution when travelling in the country.. Like anywhere else

[@OneLuckyStriker]

I think this is a pretty accurate summary on the current status of Colombia's internal conflict, however, one thing I believe is missed on your video is the way in which the US foreign policy and military further affected the conflict even more, mostly arguing the war on drugs done since the 80s which was one of the main reasons the bloodbath against my country extended from poor to rich alike.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. You’re right, I didn’t go into much detail on this. I should try to return to it in another video. The problem in any video is balancing giving enough information to explain a situation clearly to someone who might not know much about it, and giving too much information and overwhelming them!

[@OneLuckyStriker]

​@@JamesKerLindsay This is also true, and I think you did a good job balancing things out. Colombia is a country steeped in narratives that often blur the lines between reality and propaganda, especially on critical issues like land and agriculture, which have been contentious since the Republic's inception. I'd be interested in an extended discussion on the drug issue, which I believe is the second most significant challenge our nation has faced. From the early days of the Reagan/Nixon campaign, which claimed thousands of lives across Latin America and the U.S., to the Pastrana/Uribe 'Plan Colombia,' which achieved military success against the FARC but at the cost of human rights violations and war crimes. Thank you for taking the time to seriously analyze this issue. I wish more people in the U.S. would follow your example-reading first, discussing second.

[@cuervodka]

Great introduction to Colombia's conflict! But I think it's important to highlight the extent to which these armed groups have become involved in the drug trade: they no longer just tax the narcos, but have directly taken over the manufacture and bulk distribution of cocaine, often fighting among themselves over control of coca growing regions and with deep ties to other organized crime groups across the world like the Sinaloa Cartel, Italy's 'Ndrangheta, and the Komarovskaya russian mafia. I think most of them would currently be best described as militarized cartels rather than political insurgency, especially after the 2016 Peace Agreement.

[@graigaron1215]

I believe skipping the uribe period is a big mistake, it explains the distrust between the armed groups, the goverment and the civilian population

[@caro_santamaria]

@@graigaron1215 Skipping the Uribe era is insane 🥴😅

[@JG-mf1yk]

Excellent. I almost panned your video thinking it was going to be a typically biased (toward the leftist cause) presentation. It was factual and informative and totally neutral. We, the world, crave honest and truthful information. Well done !

[@IAmTheOnlyLucas]

Great video Professor! I've passively kept tabs on Colombia for a number of years, including a significant project done on bilateral US-Colombia relations for a grad school project. My attention for the beautiful country was piqued by the show Narcos, certainly a bittersweet way for one's country to be known on the world stage X-D Colombia illustrates a dilemma of geopolitics in the purest sense of the word. The country's dense forests and mountainous terrain make conveying government legitimacy and exercising state control especially difficult. It's hard to imagine in the US or UK but iterations of state power (security, banking, telecommunications, infrastructure, etc.) simply don't extend to hard-to-reach places in many countries.

[@seneca983]

I've heard that some of the groups have also fought each other. That can be an obstacle for disarmament. Even if a group trusts the government to not attack it, it might fear that a rival group which refuses to disarm could attack it and thus also refuses to disarm.

[@NCamar79A22]

Good summary and as I identify as part colombian, thought to point out how you quickly jumped through the progress Mr. Uribe made during his 2 term presidency 2002/2010 - The good work of hitting the main structure of the FARC was to be continued by the traitor JMSantos but he showed his real colors after taking power. (The right elected him in his first term and then the left re-elected him) JMSantos was to be the one to continue on with the progress Uribe made (never before did we kill/eliminate the secretary or leadership structure of the FARC) and we were so close! But JMSantos gave these animals - narco terrorist a 2nd life, showing to the colombian criminal society that crime does indeed pay and no wonder we have a former guerrillero Petro - strong ally to HChavez in the presidency. Dont forget that JMSantos asked for a referendum to the colombian people if they wanted a peace deal and the NO WON... his traitor ass went ahead with it and gave power to the savages that have made our country a shithole for some many years. In live, like at home or in business, you need strong leadership and we dont have one, we need a Nayib Bukele type person to put an end to this corruption by going after the real criminals.

[@haroldcuellarvargas1567]

I am Colombia and there is some information missing such as the fact that Santos lied to the people saying that he will never do that. He also stabbed the ex President in the back and then got control of the country as a president himself and that’s when he did the piece talks. Also, the operations officially restarted because they were killing people

[@davidguarin358]

@@haroldcuellarvargas1567 then after him the right wing president destroyed the peace ✌🏻 agreement. Violence is the number one ☝️ reason the same families in power since the last 100 years are in control of the country. The day the peace will conquer the country. Would be the day the oligarchs of the country will loose control of the country and their resources.

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

Are you a supporter of current president who is a former t8rr0r1st? I’ve noticed those supporters dislike Santos

[@alejandrovasquez5134]

You must remember santos was elected democratically, the people elected him, so whatever change of discourse he made was in order to try to end the conflict with the FARC. I would be very interested to know the solution you would propose.

[@haroldcuellarvargas1567]

@@Homer-OJ-Simpsonpetro is the reason of this al he already tried to take power back in the Escobar ages. He failed and now did it “legally” we all know he cheated no one wants communism. So no I would say I definetly am not a fan of the current communist regime in Colombia

[@haroldcuellarvargas1567]

@@alejandrovasquez5134yes of course. And it is simple… just get the states in there sweep the jungles and take control of them and that’s it. Would end terrorism and greatly impact the illegal substance markets

[@estebanbr7596]

Turns out that negotiating peace with terrorists that get rich with drugs only ends in them using the peace negotiations to strengthen themselves. Also, the neighbouring country venezuela finances and supports those operations.

[@lordferchopedia3799]

Hello, James. As always, an amazing and very accurate analysis. Thank you for showcasing the most complex and heartbreaking topic of our ongoing history. The first peace agreements were made during Gustavo Rojas Pinilla "dictatorship" (I used quotation marks because although his rise to power was army-backed, the Constitution was pretty much respected and he left the position in the 4 years stipulated for Presidency) in the early fifties with far-right guerillas and paramilitary groups like The Chulavitas and The Pájaros, which acted as death squads during Conservative Hegemony. Land and agrarian reforms were big catalysts for far-left groups, whilst far-right were usually pro-government. Most illegal groups left their ideas behind and started getting involved in drug trafficking, to the point that it's well known to us that there are zones where far-left and far-right groups have a de facto truce within themselves and even government institutions and the army in order to ensure drug trafficking. I just wanted to give my take in a topic that you already gave an amazing analysis on. Take care

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. This is one of the reasons I continue making videos. It’s not just the chance to look at so many important issues, many of which aren’t given much international attention, but also to hear so much more about them from on the ground. I really appreciate it. I really do hope that Colombia can find a way through its problems. It is a fascinating country with an incredibly rich and diverse geography. I’d really love to go one day. (I’ve made it to neighbouring Peru, so close but not quite there!) In the meantime, many thanks again and have a great weekend!

[@lordferchopedia3799]

@@JamesKerLindsay Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. I've been following your videos for some years now, you're work is really amazing. If you ever come here, we'll welcome you with very open arms. Have a great weekend too!

[@juliankraus1011]

@@lordferchopedia3799 Good comment, albeit with some inaccuracies. No need to put Rojas Pinillas's dictatorship in quotation marks, it was a dictatorship in the full sense of the word: civil liberties were curtailed and there was political persecution. He wanted to remain in power after his four year term, but he was forced to step out due to popular and institutional pressure.

[@Clampers]

Great video as ever James, I really look forward to your weekly videos. Would you please consider doing a video on Thailand where it has a democratic system in name only after yet another party was dissolved this week even though they won the most seats in last year’s election?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. It's so nice to hear such kind words about the channel. I really appreciate it. Great suggestion. I would love to do something on Thailand at some point.

[@danielbeltran9441]

As a Colombian, I want to highlight that guerrilla movements initially began as political groups in remote areas with little government oversight, seeking to pressure the state for their demands. However, since the 1990s, many of these groups, along with paramilitaries, have shifted their focus primarily to drug trafficking. This is similar to what happened during the prohibition era in the United States when the illegal alcohol trade fueled organized crime. Just as alcohol prohibition created lucrative incentives for criminal enterprises, the strict laws on drugs today create a parallel situation. Until there is a relaxation of drug laws, the economic incentives will continue to fund internal conflicts and perpetuate violence.

[@mezamaldini]

Professor again thanks for this great inside. What role do you think can the other latin american countries play in this conflict either by helping Colombia fight the dissidents or maybe send a peace force as a buffer between the central government and the remaining dissidents? Also do you believe Venezuela will help any dissidents in rearming or regaining any significant territory?

[@mdenewsreporter]

I'm from Medellin Colombia and I'm MDE News Reporter. Nowadays we have rising internal conflicts, because of mass tourism. Colombia's internal conflict will only grow as the demand for drugs and prostitution silently grows.

[@viejoditi]

This video is unbiased, factual, spot-on! It is not often that one gets to hear about Colombia, its life and politics in such an accurate way. As a 50-something year old Colombian with a pechant for geopolitics, I have a decent knowledge of the reasons that explain Colombia's so-called internal conflict. It has long been stated that inequality is at the heart of the existence of insurgencies and theit ongoing criminality and this cannot be denied. That said, insurgent groups (guerrillas) like FARC and ELN are both cause and effect of inequality. Guerrilla controlled territories are the most underdeveloped, poor and isolated. The 2016 peace accord aims to tackle this issue by redirecting resources to areas formerly occupied by FARC rebels. However, the reason why Colombia still has and will continue to have narco-guerrilla groups had to do with sheer support by a significant, if minoritarian segment of the population. Support and sympathy for guerrillas can be seen not just in far-flung isolated regions but also among urban groups, specially among lower-class university educated youths. This support seeps into politics, not just elected officials but also among the judiciary. Guerrilla bosses know too well their activities damage the very same people they claim to protect, but as socialists they see ordinary people's suffering as a necessary evil in the quest for utopia without renouncing to their own priviledge. This bosses want this areas to remain poor and violent, or else, their dicourse and their power base will cease. It will take a shift to the right, a strong one, for Colombia to once and for all take a political and military decision to destroy and stamp out narco rebels. Every day I pray that I get to live to see that happen.

[@ShubhamMishrabro]

I see a similar thing in india with naxalite maoist insurgents and their urban supporters

[@jaimetorres950]

What lies behind Colombia's violence? Its history. These insurgent groups unconsciously replicate behavioral patterns, attitudes towards money and power that were culturally inherited since the Spanish conquest. How do you think the conquistadors and encomenderos acquired wealth and power?

[@TheColombiano89]

Thank you again, Professor for an insightful update. The Colombian city of Cali is currently hosting the Cop-16 for the United Nations. It is a country of parallels. I felt safer in Colombia than in the US. The rural areas in largely mountainanous areas need the central government.

[@mchazesensei]

Add to the complexity that the current president Petro is a former M19 guerrilla member.

[@elfachito8674]

My country, Colombia is a complex nation. You can go live to another country and return after 15 years, and everything would be the same. But you could travel and return after 15 days, and everything would have changed. We continue to perpetuate the samemistakes older generations did and we must correct them

[@christopher9727]

.... Do you know Jesus Christ can set you free from sins and save you from hell today Jesus Christ is the only hope in this world no other gods will lead you to heaven There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today Romans 6.23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@zebposada]

You missed FARC were virutally defeated in Uribe's presidency between 2002 to 2010, he actually was the one who made Santos president by naming him as his ideological succesor. Seems very funny, and ilogical that you missed this step. With Uribe all the high commanders of FARC were defeated and his military arm was wiped out.

[@alfonsolizarazo9806]

As long as the cocaine demand is high in developed countries, illegally armed groups will continue relaying economically on the drug trade, it’s a never ending cycle. Forget about these groups fighting for the rights of the local people.

[@benriggan5267]

One of the big issues is land title or lack there of. A great part of Colombia's potential will be unrealized and the conflict likely to continue until that fundemental issue is resolved.

[@kikujade]

When war becomes a business and there isn't any real accountability for crimes, you get what we have here

[@gernotreichleitner]

Thanks for the video. I miss a world about the allover corruption which explains also the existence of the manny crime organisations. Silent takers, loud excluded ones.

[@nycmitch]

Still full of hope for Colombia 🇨🇴 🙏

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

Isn't Colombia one of the largest coffee exporters of Latin America? ☕🇨🇴

[@byrlink]

Largest coffee exporter in the world, after Brazil and Vietnam.

[@byrlink]

In the world, after Brazil and Vietnam

[@thomasaddis51]

Some of the richest coffee too

[@PabloRodriguez-ov9sx]

As the millionth Colombian in your comments, I found this video to be really good at presenting the subjects it chose to tackle, but you should’ve talked a lot more about the crimes committed by the paramilitary groups and the Colombian army. All three groups are currently being put on trial, and rightly so. I know that it could make the video very long, but any discussion on the armed conflict remains incomplete without them. Maybe you could make a sequel to this video?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. I really appreciate the comment. I know a lot of Colombian viewers would have liked me to tackle the right wing groups. I might try to return to this. The problem is that in any 10-15 minute video you have to be really focused. It is so easy to confuse things by introducing too many elements. But you’re right. The dissident leftwing guerrilla groups are certainly not the only challenge facing the country.

[@Descriptions568]

Gran Columbia should not have broken up. They just weaken themselves. Divide and Conquer, it was all planned.

[@sierrra11]

Professor this is a good Summary thank yu for your work! but as Colombian that studies the conflict I have to say that you missed why AUC groups emerged, its important undertand the full equiation and as well when you mentioned the failure of the Pastrana agreement wiht FARC is important as well to mention Plan Colombia and the Uribe counteroffensive that allowed in the end to Santos negotiation!.

[@shyamdevadas6099]

This may impact my plans to retire in Colombia. Thanks James! :)

[@wihenao]

Cartagena remains peaceful even in times of conflict and you can easily retire there. The rest of the country will eventually go back to violence. This will be impossible to stop. Younger generations don't know how bad it can get and don't vote with their heads.

[@shyamdevadas6099]

@@wihenao Do you think that violence could reach even the nicer sections of northern Bogota? (Usaquen...Chapinero?) Thanks for the comment.

[@jhonduran2367]

@@shyamdevadas6099 Bogotá o las demás principales ciudades de Colombia en términos generales es muy "pacífico", puede que haya violentos pero en eso hay en todo el mundo.

[@100CupsColombia]

@@shyamdevadas6099 That's where all the left and right wing elites live these days-son unlikely to be too much violence

[@quedtion_marks_kirby_modding]

​@@shyamdevadas6099most major cities are peacefull. Bogota has a lower crime rate than Denver for example.

[@TonyTrupp]

Please do an episode on Bolivia!

[@oscarmora4602]

Informative

[@el_ballestero]

Great video, it just needs the entire history of narcoparapolitics, how the extreme right with the help of the USA always remained for 2 decades helping to immerse Colombia in its violence.

[@sebasm707]

Jajajaajajajajajajajajaj

[@maualecortes]

And thr narco far left guerrillas too both

[@carmenbenitez141]

Extreme right???? Uribe was the only president interested in seriously exterminating the guerrillas. He was ahead of his time and Colombian citizens couldn’t recognize it!

[@AndresFelipe0402]

@@carmenbenitez141 yes a total neoliberal that dismembered the Colombian State, he is a CRIMINAL currently under JUDGEMENT from the latest news from yesterday :)

[@licmir3663]

Wait. How could you gloss over Alvaro Uribe’s administration (2002-2010)? Colombia was almost a failed state until he became president and waged relentless war against the FARCs, killing most of its leadership and confining them to far away areas of the country. In fact, Chavez’s Venezuela even threatened to declare war when a FARCs’ leader was killed within its territory’s and it was found out the extent of the Chavez’s administration’s protection of the terrorist organization. Uribe’s successor Santos was only able to make the peace accord because of Uribe’s MILITARY successes. Your analysis is deeply flawed. You failed to provide sufficient context.

[@dagoudag]

Colombia was broken during the 90’s and Colombia was considered a failed state. The guerrillas were taking control of the country and it was not possible to travel outside the cities and everybody had to pay the insurgencies taxes. In 2000 the story changed when Alvaro Uribe was elected President and a new story has to be told. The economy was growing as never before and the army received instruction from the USA and began to defeat all the guerrillas together. The middle class grew and guerrillas had to flee to Venezuela and Ecuador where the new Socialism XXI Century took power. In the background the traffic of cocaine was growing and the country was poured with green bills in all the economical activities. The left communist guerrillas became drug cartels and today they are fighting to control the land and the cocaine routes specially with Cartel del Golfo. The leftist groups and the progressist alliance also took the power with the incompetent Petro a former M19 guerrilla member and his bandits who have been stolen the country for the last 2 years. The international drug cartels like Cartel de SInaloa and Nueva Generación controls the drugs today supported by Maduro, Lopéz Obrador,Lula and also Biden and Kamala Harris.This is what we have now and is not the fair tale that was told in this video.

[@TonyTrupp]

Bogota was actually founded by the Muisca culture, which had a population of hundreds of thousands of people. Bogota is even a Muisca word.

[@danielarevalo7013]

In this chaotic environment, individuals are positioned according to their roles, irrespective of their affiliations, all operating under the influence of a select group of elites who control their actions. It is all theatre, and surprisingly, the affluent have not left the country with their families. Observing affluent families departing for good could be a strong indicator that it may be time to reconsider one's position in this otherwise picturesque and idyllic country. Until then, one can comfortably live here if they are well-acquainted with the culture, people, and language, often at a fraction of the cost of living in a wealthier country.

[@darxed]

Great video. One thing I think you neglected was that the FARC has not upheld their end of the deal either. There has been literally zero victim reparations since the accords were signed. All they got was a half assed public apology. Also, the millions and millions of dollars product of the drug trade that should have been delivered simply banished too.

[@NicholeRojas-r8i]

Simon Boliovar did not fight for the rights of indigenous, he just wanted more power, indeed the laws were on change, that part of the history that you said is the english version. Indeed Bolivar was a rich man with noble ancestors in Spain. .. And the guerrilla problem is not civil war.... and you forgot to mention the international support to guerrillas coming from Europe, Russia and Cuba.

[@SebastianMatuk]

We only need one thing for there to be peace in Colombia: for the Global North to stop getting into Colombia through their noses. You know what I mean.

[@MAXXlS]

Yeah the western world is to blame for all your problems 🤣🤣🤣

[@SebastianMatuk]

@@MAXXlS That's exactly what I'm saying. If cocaine is legalized or eliminated tomorrow, the war in Colombia will end tomorrow.

[@baneofbanes]

@@MAXXlSthe drug trade still does immense damage or Latin America. Thing is demand for drugs is never going away.

[@baneofbanes]

@@SebastianMatukyah I seriously doubt that. The demand for cocaine would still be there. Plenty of armed groups profit off of legal enterprises as well.

[@richdobbs6595]

I find it interesting that there is no discussion of the impact of so may refugees from Venezuela.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

I am not sure how it is relevant, but happy to hear how you think it is. This all long predates the events in Venezuela.

[@EdMcF1]

@@JamesKerLindsay I had a Columbian Spanish-language teacher in the early 1990s, she said that the popular attitude towards Venezuelas in Columbia was one of chafing/resentment at the oil-rich Venezuela tourists showing off their wealth in the Caribbean resorts, and looking down on their poorer neighbours.

[@shannonbilger5301]

@@JamesKerLindsay the impact of Venezuelan refugees have added greatly to the poverty levels in Colombia. You also never mention the government corruption under decades of right wing rule. Look at the infrastructure projects which served to enrich officials while barely providing service. Even in high income areas of the Caribbean coast, the electric grid routinely fails. Corruption is the biggest impediment to economic growth and income equality. While Petro has done better than previous governments, corruption remains systemic .

[@AdventureElliot]

@@shannonbilger5301 you can thank Chavez and Maduro that. Most Venezuelans have migrated to big cities or are in Colombia on a stopover .. don’t forget that millions of Colombias fled to Venezuela in the 20th century as well due to violence before communism destroyed Venezuela .

[@shannonbilger5301]

@@AdventureElliot you can thank Maduro for sure. I'm not sure what is your point. My comment was directed to Mr. Lindsay who was minimizing the impact of Venezuelan refugees. If you spent any time in Colombia you know Venezuelans are everywhere. I'm not disparaging them, simply stating in a country already experiencing poverty without a safety net, introduction of more unskilled labor has the effect of further exacerbating the poverty problem.

[@juliandavidvillegasgutierr4130]

Thanks for your video. If someone wants to (really) know more about our long lasting conflict, there is a ton of literature available (in spanish) at Centro Nacional de Memoria Histórica (a google search will list it). It is not "generalistic", but instead the documents hosted there tend to display some of the many edges this conflict has. And they are digitally available for free.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much for the extra information. It is indeed a huge subject. I always hope that the videos will encourage viewers to look into issues in more detail.

[@VladTevez]

Thank you, Colombia, for Sofia Vergara!

[@jorgeandrespulidopardo7707]

I like your video, I am from Colombia, and you are right, your explanation of Colombian history is absolutely true, the problem with guerrillas is basically their conditions because they want total immunity (don´t go to prison) and the Colombian society refuses that, in 2004 the AUC (paramilitaries) accepted a very controversial peace process; however, these process was not effective because a big part of AUC narco commanders sold their soldiers and created new illegal groups (clan del golfo is one of them), at the end the narco commanders paid prison in USA and now the new Peace Justice Court (JEP) is looking for information and offering special conditions for them only if they accept to tell all true about crimes, victims and other aspects about conflict. Thank you for talking about my country, one day we will find peace and Colombia will close a dark age. AUC Commander speech in the Congress kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYbJeIh6mL-Gp5I kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5-0l3iqmLeHirs

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. The question of amnesties is always hugely controversial. There was considerable anger in the U.K. over the early release of IRA prisoners and other paramilitaries. However, this is often the price of peace. The question is whether the groups are really and truly committed to peace or whether some of those released quickly return to violence. It’s never an easy issue, as you highlight. Many thanks again.

[@alejomanuelguerrero9326]

Maybe the main problem was from the begining, from 1810, the balcanizaron of Spanish South America a Viceroyalties richer than the 13 english colonies but then balcanized by the British thanks to creo le élite sold to them through masonic ideas because most of native américans fighted for their King and Bolívar and others to the King of Britain. Later the US used it as a drug produce as the British used India to smugle opium into China and two wars were declares to Imperial China for this reason

[@fidlaf1]

3 letters CIA. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIA_drug_trafficking_allegations

[@baneofbanes]

Yah it was totally the British’s fault that South America fractured, totally not that South America was already divided and figuring amongst themselves.

[@NicholeRojas-r8i]

@@baneofbanes British and french, check how the independences took place

[@sebastian2zen]

This needed to be said. The US used the country quite the same the British attempted to use the Chinese.

[@baneofbanes]

@@NicholeRojas-r8i you mean there was multiple independence movements and infighting among the revolutionaries? Thanks for proving my point.

[@Sloarot]

Well, it seems to me that the 'innombrable' was not named here ... quite a feat in a report on Colombia :-)

[@realtalk6195]

You should have mentioned that Segunda Marquetalia was formed in 2019 after Ivan Marquez's nephew was deported to the US. Ivan was a high-ranking FARC member and was a proponent of the peace process. US' actions and agenda led to a major disruption to the Colombian peace process and for violence to uptick.

[@abirhossen9063]

Can you make a video on Bangladesh's current situation.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. I am taking a few weeks off, but I might try to come back to this when I get back in September. It is a really interesting subject.

[@abirhossen9063]

@@JamesKerLindsay no worries, break is necessary once in a while for the body & mind.

[@tesotoo]

FUERA PETRO! FUERA PETRO! FUERA PETRO!

[@mrpalaces]

Y que lo reemplace quién. Entiende que si renuncia Petro sigue Francia, no?

[@tesotoo]

@@mrpalaces Tengo derecho a la protesta o no?

[@Stone881]

It isn't so much as a political fight as one that is centered around controlling the drug trade. Just stay away from sketchy places and it's as safe as anywhere else

[@jpromano_]

I must point out that while recapitulating the history of Colombia, you seemed to have conveniently overlooked two significant figures who have profoundly shaped the country-one negatively and the other positively. First, you failed to mention that the Marxist ideologies within the FARC and other armed groups in Colombia were instigated by none other than the Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. Second, you neglected to acknowledge President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, whose leadership was instrumental in nearly eradicating the insurgency in Colombia. The 'peace' agreement signed by Juan Manuel Santos was little more than a political stunt designed to gain public favor while aligning closely with the Castro dictatorship in Cuba. In reality, this agreement only served to embolden insurgents, undoing the progress made by President Uribe in nearly eliminating them. The fact that Santos received the Nobel Peace Prize for what effectively revived the insurgency in Colombia is as absurd as President Obama receiving the same prize despite having dropped more bombs in the Middle East than any other U.S. president in history.

[@luisignacionavasperez2922]

Well said!

[@harrywhiteside8293]

That's is a big business for the military

[@frans688]

The 2024 Elections happened in Venezuela (an important Neighbor) a few weeks ago, and most likely the opposition won, which can ignite the region. Let's see who recognizes whom and how it affects. I hope for a peaceful agreement.

[@AdventureElliot]

Colombia: comes to peace agreement with the Marxist insurgents and things start to improve.. also Colombia: elects former Marxist insurgent as president 😅

[@7H3.N0B0DY]

@@AdventureElliot he will fall!!!

[@alexcortes4892]

@@AdventureElliot isn't that a sign of a successful peace process? The previously forgotten and forbidden parties acquiring political power?

[@joeblow3990]

Colombia (historically) was a country in which small groups of landowners controlled huge areas of agricultural land. Peasants had no access to good land and were forced to enter into "agreements" with the landowners. The peasant became "APARCERO". Under this arrangement the peasant would get to cultivate a small plot of land for his own benefit. The plot of land was located in the landowner's estate. In exchange the peasant had to work (for free or for a small wage) in the landowner's estate. The relationship between the Aparcero and the Landowner presents all sorts of opportunities for the power-ful landowner to abuse the power-less aparcero. This kind of relationship survives TO THIS DAY in present Colombia. Good agricultural land is concentrated in the hands of a few TO THIS DAY in present Colombia. This is what lies at the root of the political violence of the 1950's and the 1960's and the 1980's and on and on right up to the present day.

[@Crisdapari]

I see lots of small details and civil wars omitted specially in the XIX century, it would take too much time. But to me the main omision is the fact that the 1810 declaration of independence and the 1816-19 independence war were led by the spanish descendent elite and after the independence even Indigenius comumities lost rights and lands. In escence the colonial feudal model continue even until today by the sons of the same spanish elite, with the same family names repeating endlesly. Plus the narcotrafic and widespread mafia fueled by international arms traffic and drugs demand. Only better judicial security, basic infrastructure and social services, real balance of power, transparency, press independency and a real participative democratic system can reduce the corruption that leads inequality that fuel the violence.

[@mrpalaces]

Very good synopsis. I put a big deal of blame for the current situation on Santos. When the majority of FARC gathered and left the territoried they controlled, Santos sat idle waiting for his Nobel instead of hurrying to fill that power vacuum with the Colombian State. This allowed dissidents and rival gangs to fill that vacuum and get stronger. Petro may have good intentions and pretty words, but is more than proven that all remaining insurgent and criminal groups have zero desire for peace. They may use forcibly conscripted children as human shields, but in this day and age is inexcusable to not put a drone in the face of every commander until they understand their only options are surrender or a closed casket funeral. The farce of the War on Drugs will always be an obstacle for peace in Colombia and Mexico.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. Interesting take on Santos.

[@IvanRx76]

Perhaps if the usa, and its allies stop messing around our internal affairs, we would get a chance to improve

[@ibnurismail5964]

Hi,Prof can you make contents About Sabah Dispute between Malaysia and Philippines?From Your Fellow Malaysian fans and subscriber here

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. Excellent suggestion! I have marked it down.

[@omarperezpulido2388]

Holy crap was this thorough, great job! Edit: although i think it's important to note what Plan Colombia was, mentioning President Uribe's role in all of this, and the fact that President Petro was a member of M-19

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much! Yes, there were a few things that I had to leave out or gloss over. There was a lot to cover. But hopefully it gives a brief overview for people who might not be familiar with Colombia’s fascinating history. (This was a video I had wanted to do for ages.)

[@camilamontoya6537]

There is a part of history that is lost, the policy of Alvarado Uribe and the democratic security strategy are never mentioned, it is a big mistake because basically that strategy allowed to reach a peace agreement given the military inability of the FARC to come to power by force of arms.

[@IMOK34]

Its baffling to me how foreign analysts won't even mention the far right led by Álvaro Uribe. Without this key player in the picture, recent Colombia is impossible to understand.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

This was a short 10-15 minute video. There was any number of strands that I had to gloss over or leave out. One thing you realise when you write scripts is that it is incredibly easy to confuse viewers who might not know much a bout a subject by introducing all sorts of extra information that those who know a subject well believe is vital, but can easily confuse those who don't know it well. It's not an easy balance to strike. I accept I don't always get it right, but I hope I do present a fair and useful starting view of the situations I cover.

[@IMOK34]

@@JamesKerLindsay I understand and I gotta state that I value and respect your effort. But if the goal of the video was to explain why Colombia is back into an even more complicated conflict, you gotta understand how the far right has played a key role in destroying the 2016 peace agreement and having close ties to most illegal groups.

[@aaronjones8905]

I think two things can be true at once, and in this case they are 1) some left-wing leaders in South/Central America have been ineffectively soft on armed groups because of shared ideologies or corruption; and 2) the increased opportunities for a peaceful life will draw the less militant members away from these groups. I think a carrot and stick approach is the best. Draw firm lines around what will bring a response, but offer your enemy an off-ramp.

[@netero1682]

You forgot to mention an important or more important actor than the Guerrillas of the last 70 years, and those are the AUC or the paramilitaries. Just as the FARC suggested certain political ideals and then went awry, the AUC suggested mercenary groups to support drug trafficking and landowners. This group is important because it was allied with the Government and the military forces and they caused more massacres than the guerrillas, they were the most bloodthirsty of all, it was with them that violence in Colombia reached another level. Although they demobilized, almost all of them returned to arms and the violence was reorganized. All this is important because the country remains divided in that sense, there are many who still accept the AUC despite their crimes and today the AGC heirs of the AUC without the strongest paramilitary group above the guerrillas. And if there is that support with that group or that thought, support also continues for their counterpart the guerrillas and that is in the rural parts. Because that is another problem, the land, the country's conflict is about the land, the inability of the state to attend to the rural areas. Without forgetting that the most influential political actor is still in power, and continues with that thought. If we add corruption, racism and inequality, it will be worse. In 2016 it was a great opportunity but the government that followed, the right-wing one that favored Paramilitary thinking, sought to destroy what the previous government did, from then on the situation got worse little by little. This Government is just as mediocre and has not shown strength, so these groups continue to get stronger. I believe that for real change the entire political class of the country has to be eliminated, literally removing all the politicians and installing new people from scratch, as if another country were created.

[@jhonduran2367]

Que lavada de cara le hiciste a la guerrilla y por consiguiente a la izquierda en general 😂 las AUC surgieron por culpa de las guerrillas y siempre cuando esas sigan existiendo, las autodefensas seguirán creándose y fortaleciendo. En el proceso de paz del 2016 no se negocio con toda las farc, solo fue unos frentes pero otros siguieron en los mismo. Los paramilitares cogieron fuerza fue gracias a las drogas y la incapacidad de cortarles su capacidad financiera. En cuanto a sus alfiles en la politica hay de todos los colores y los que le han dado mayor beneficios fue la izquierda actualmente representada por el pacto histórico.

[@jusebacho]

But we don’t have paramilitars now days, the ways beating with the government of Uribe Vélez, and they’re influence is irrelevant in the actual situation of Colombia, can you name a paramilitaries that considere they’re self as that and follow the pads of the AUC ? The guerrilas still exist and are the violent factor with other criminals groups now days. I mean, your comment have some of true but a lot of your echo chambers based in your political bias

[@jusebacho]

Also …. Who accept the AUC now days despite their crimes? I get you the last point, but don’t be part of the same adapting the reality to your bias

[@netero1682]

@@jusebachoYou would be surprised to know that there are still many people in the country with that thought, as long as the guerrillas exist, their counterpart will also exist, and vice versa, it is as if they feed each other. I am not speaking from a political bias, these are the facts, what happens is that paramilitarism is something that they seek to cover up and even forget in the country, while its counterpart does have to stay alive. It is no coincidence that the AGC or Gulf Clan come from the AUC and are today the largest and strongest group in the country, surpassing the guerrillas. But if you want to continue thinking like that, that's your business.

[@giovannitraverso6569]

If this happens, the Country that will suffer is Ecuador since the FARC’s will increase the drug trafficking and terrorism (ilegal mining, cartels interventions) and the displacement of population to a Country under strenuous economic situations.

[@dude8462]

Can you do a video on the debate of the CFA on african nations?

[@santiagocarreno5881]

Thanks for the video; I am from Colombia; the problem in these last years, is that right now we have a left (very left) president who basically although having a very well-equipped and advanced army (is not an opinion, is a fact, colombian army is extremelly well trained you can check how they rank in international competitions), the president has done basically nothing to sustain all the territory we had gain in the past and had done even less to maintain the huge pressure the State had accomplished against the insurgences between 2002-2018.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate hearing a Colombian view on what is happening. It certainly does seem that one of the 'problems' with the FARC deal is that without a strong government presence to take over, it has opened up territory for other groups to move in. (And I don't think anyone would doubt the standard of the Colombian armed forces. Sadly, they have built up a huge amount of experience. But as another viewer pointed out, Colombia's geography is almost ideal for insurgent activity.)

[@FOLIPE]

How is Petro "very left"?

[@ShubhamMishrabro]

I remember when he was elected. He was called colombia first leftist president and also that he wouldn't use violence to control insurgency. It only increased the violence. Same thing happened in mexico but at least their leader was smart to start using army again

[@realtalk6195]

Most of the drug trade is under the control of right-wing paramilitaries. This has been said by the Colombian state since decades ago.

[@quedtion_marks_kirby_modding]

​@@realtalk6195His total peace also involved reducing operations against those too tho?

[@albwilso9]

It’s so easy talk peace and agree but nothing changes when you DO nothing!!, talk is cheap!!!

[@nicoc224]

Great video! But apart from the left wing guerrilas you should talk about the right wing paramilitary groups that also plague this country, some of which even have ties to former presidents and other high ranking officials in the Colombian government

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. You’re right. I avoided getting into that as it would make the story almost impossibly unmanageable in a 10-15 minute video. But I should try to come back to it.

[@rab1tt998]

As a Colombian, Fuck Comunism.

[@juancamilogomez8091]

Its never gonna end, all the youth lost hope in this country and are trying to emigrate.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

This is so incredibly sad to hear. Unfortunately, it is a problem that we hear far too often in far too many places. Is there any room for hope? And what sort of steps do you think need to be taken to 'fix' the situation?

[@juancamilogomez8091]

​@@JamesKerLindsay The underlying issues that perpetuate violence and corruption would have to be addressed and that would take decades of good leadership but the political class seems satisfied with keeping the country in a endless state of mediocrity.

[@johncito4313]

Import Bukele... Force only understands force.

[@beatthegreat7020]

A Columbian Consul General had come into my class for a Q&A this spring. He was the only person who came in who ever answered a question with "I don't know." The meat of his argument was that Columbia isn't even close to ending its troubles with political violence, and the only way they would be able to stay afloat would be if America continued to support them in fighting and negotiating.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. That must have been a really interesting experience. As I mentioned in another comment, when I was putting the video together, I watched President Petro's speech at the UN General Assembly in 2022. It really was an eye-opener. It is so rare to hear a leader speak with so much honesty about the problems their country faces. He emphasised the enormous difficulties with political violence. The deal with the FARC was an enormous breakthrough, but it's clear that the country has a lot further to go, sadly. That said, it is opening and much safer than it once was. I would love to go one day.

[@roddychristodoulou9111]

Excellent video on the internal conflict of Columbia . I'm always amazed at how long these disputes last for , we have many cases all over the world that last for too many years . No one is willing to take the first step of showing flexibility in order to achieve peace . IN Colombias case you said the key word which is inequality which in itself is the crux of the matter . I do get the feeling that America has too much influence over Colombia and if Colombia can break free from this dominance it could solve it's internal issues . Yes i do have a question professor , I could be wrong but I do get the impression you're reluctant to cover the Middle East problem considering we've had an avalanche of activity in the last two years . I know it's a very sensitive area and a lot of observers hands are tied due to allegiance of sorts but we are now entering the end game and some are saying this could be the war ever in the Middle East as a one state solution is on the cards .

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks, Roddy. I had wanted to look at the peace agreement in Colombia for quite some time. It was a huge achievement, but as we can see, there are still many other groups, and in a strange way, the deal with the FARC has made dealing with the smaller groups more difficult. It's fascinating how this can sometimes work. Regarding the Middle East, I'm not quite sure what you mean. I have done quite a few videos on the region. However, I must admit that I am finding that videos on Ukraine and Israel-Palestine tend to generate more heat than light. To counter this, I tried to take a more forward-looking approach, for example, by considering post-conflict issues around rebuilding Gaza or Russian reparations for Ukraine. However, sadly, the videos didn't do very well. Likewise, I did one on Hezbollah and Israel last year and it didn't do well. (This also has another important effect. Unfortunately, it costs a fair amount to keep the channel going. While I always want to cover topics that might not get widespread interest, I also have to ensure that I bring in enough to at least cover the costs of making the videos. This is becoming increasingly difficult for various reasons - a problem many other creators face. Indeed, it has got to the point that I have even been questioning how long I can continue!)

[@markopinteric]

I have one unrelated question: would you consider making a commentary video on Mearsheimer's theory of offensive realism? Jeff Rich recently made a video on this topic that has sparked a heated debate, Vlad Vexler addresses it often... I think you are in a position to give an expert opinion.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Like many other IR academics, I don't take Mearsheimer seriously. I also find it difficult to have a decent conversation on this. If one understands why his views are so problematic, one understands it. If one doesn't, then it's probably not worth the effort trying to persuade others, at least in this environment. (And I am pleased Vlad is willing to take this one. I like and admire him enormously.) But you open a door to a far bigger issue: to be very honest, I've become increasingly tired of the trolling and abuse on the channel - to the point where I have been questioning whether it is worth it. It used to be a much nicer place to interact. Fortunately, there are still many great comments. But more of the regulars have said that they have given up commenting - and. have also seen this. Videos like this on Colombia, while getting a fraction of my normal views, have shown what an interesting and pleasant place KZbin can still be. However, sadly, the views are down. This means revenues are down. I need to cover the considerable costs of running the channel. (Not even including my own time, I need to cover equipment, lots of different software, various subscriptions to news sites and stock footage sites, etc.) This compounds the problem: do I make videos that play to the worst tendencies to get views and engagement, or do I stick to the better side but see far fewer views? This is a huge problem for many creators in this space. It also explains why many end up doing the same topic week in and week out and building a large audience based on extreme positions. It also explains why so many also put together poor-quality and minimally edited opinion pieces that they can churn out on an almost daily basis that they know will get good views because of their position - rather than a well-researched and heavily edited video once a week on a more obscure topic that might do really poorly. They need to make the time, effort and expense of running a channel pay. Sadly, many find this is the only way to do it. Sorry for taking a question on Mearsheimer and making it a rant on the economics of the creator economy, but one can perhaps see how they are linked.

[@markopinteric]

​@@JamesKerLindsay Thank you for your reply. I can fully understand your position. Yes, Vlad brushed off Mearsheimer's positions (to paraphrase, that he is looking at the world from outer space), but he never went into the factual analysis. I personally do not like the proponents of Mearsheimer because they accept his theory as correct ad hoc and then adjust interpretations of real events to fit it. Theory should be based on real events, not the other way round. But I am not an IR expert and as Vlad himself says, I should not leave my area of expertise. So I am looking for a more popular IR source that explains in simple terms the weaknesses of Mearsheimer's theories and how seriously they are really taken by the rest of the IR community (academics or practitioners). Can you point me to such a source?

[@markopinteric]

OK, I have done some reading and I get the impression that Maersheimer is much better at promoting himself than explaining IR (i.e. the mere existance of the EU is in stark contradiction with his offensive realism). But promoting yourself, unfortunately, is the most important thing in modern science. His "predictions" are always retrospective and yet he has a cult following among lay people.

[@mouniash]

Obviously not all situations will fit within a theory. However, I believe Mearsheimer's view are anathema to those who believe that the West is well intentioned. And that although its actions are at times (often) bellicose, it's for a good cause. ​@@markopinteric

[@markopinteric]

@@mouniash Of course, I do not think that everything about Mearsheimer's theory is wrong. Most of his well informed critics point out that he grossly oversimplifies reality. Also, contrary to popular belief, he is not the only theorist of realism - there are other theories of realism that do include other important factors such as the domestic politics of individual states. I personally agree that the West is not always well intentioned, but I also think it is intellectually dishonest and evidently wrong to reduce the Russian invasion of Ukraine to a mechanical behaviour of interstate politics.

[@MArlonRestrepo-t2c]

As Long Tere are criminal activities and large profits , will be a never ending battle