Democracy and violence in Colombia during the Barco administration (1986-1990)

Abstract

With its longstanding democratic institutions and high levels of contemporary violence, Colombia represents an anomaly within Latin America. Using a contemporary historical approach, this article examines the administration of President Virgilio Barco (1986-1990) both in terms of its democratic and institutional reforms and national security responses. It discusses how the government managed to push for democratic reforms, in spite of the unprecedented levels of violence.Democracy, Virgilio Barco, Narcoterrorism, Paramilitarism, Guerrillas, Political Violence, Political Reform, National Security Response