Striking a New Balance? Exploring Civil-Military Relations in Colombia in a Time of Hope

Abstract

Colombia appears to be fast approaching an agreement on a set of peace accords ending an armed conflict that has lasted over 55 years. In this CMI Working paper, we consider the status of and possibilities to transform civil-military relations in the country and the possible connections this has to founding democratic and sustainable peace. We furthermore stress the need to expand on standard approaches to the study of civil-military relations in Colombia through consideration of their intersection with features of economic and social development in the country.