Brookings: Topics - Colombia

Colombia's Increasing Hemispheric Isolation

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In recent months, Colombia has experienced increased isolation from its neighbors in the Western Hemisphere, due to border and military disputes, refusals to cooperate on economic and political fronts and disenchantment with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. Diana Negroponte examines the reasons for this isolation, and possible remedies the Obama administration may apply.

Narco-belligerents Across the Globe: Lessons from Colombia for Afghanistan?

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Increased insecurity in Afghanistan and the sense that the counterinsurgency is not being won have left many looking for comparisons that can shape future policy. Vanda Felbab-Brown examines similarities between the counternarcotics and counterinsurgency efforts in Colombia to draw conclusions on how to reverse recent trends in Afghanistan.

Transnational Drug Enterprises: Threats to Global Stability and U.S. National Security

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In testimony before the House Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Vanda-Felbab Brown discussed illicit economies, organized crime, and their impact on U.S. and global security. Felbab-Brown concluded by offering recommendations for counternarcotics strategies as well as other measures local and foreign governments can take to address the issues.

Between Hypocrisy and Narcoterrorism in Latin America

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A new agreement between the United States and Colombia will give the U.S. military access to seven existing facilities in order to carry out counternarcotics and counterinsurgency operations. Mauricio Cardenas and Kevin Casas-Zamora examine concerns among countries in Latin America regarding this move and argue that it is time to have meaningful conversation on a problem that affects the whole hemisphere.

Report of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Internal displacement continues to be one of the world's major humanitarian and human rights challenges and many internally displaced persons (IDPs) experience serious violations of their human rights. In his annual report to the UN General Assembly, Walter Kälin argues that it is important to translate the increasing recognition of the human rights dimension of internal displacement at the international and regional levels into effective action at the national and local levels of government.

Protecting the Displaced in Colombia: The Role of Municipal Authorities

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In most societies, citizens have more interaction with municipal authorities than with national government officials. The same is true in Colombia. However, policies that address displacement are often developed by the national government and left to the municipal authorities to implement. In this report, the Brookings-Bern Project presents the issues discussed at a workshop for municipal authorities in how to better respond to the needs of Colombia's IDPs.

Comparative Perspectives on Laws and Policies Addressing Internal Displacement

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

To date, over twenty countries, including Turkey, have already adopted policies or legislation specifically addressing internal displacement—many of which are based on the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement—and other countries are in the process of doing so. In this statement, Elizabeth Ferris puts the issue of law and policy development into the broader framework of national responsibility and gives an overview of the ways in which governments have addressed internal displacement in their laws and policies, including in the search for durable solutions.

Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement: Annual Report 2008

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

2008 marked the tenth anniversary of the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement—an occasion both to commemorate efforts over the past decade to uphold the human rights of IDPs and to remind ourselves that much remains to be done. In this report, the Project presents its work from 2008 and discusses the challenges that lie ahead.

A Comparative Study of FARC and Paramilitary Groups in Colombia

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Bilal Saab and Alexandra Taylor analyze how terrorist groups and armed insurgents in Colombia regularly exploit illicit markets to launder money, traffic illegal goods, and purchase arms. The authors find that group goals, the political environment, and membership strongly influence the types of criminal activities a given armed group undertakes. They conclude that membership and political agenda of sub-state armed groups not only distinguishes them from criminal groups, but also shapes their criminal behavior.

Assessment of the Implementation of the United States Government's Support for Plan Colombia's Illicit Crop Reduction Components

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vanda Felbab-Brown and several other authors produced a report evaluating Plan Columbia for review by the United States Agency for Development. The study provides an assessment of the success of counternarcotics strategies to date and offers recommendations for the U.S. government to strengthen future efforts.

Internal Displacement and Peacebuilding in Colombia

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The advances in laws related to IDPs have not addressed the relationship between internal displacement and peacebuilding in Colombia. Elizabeth Ferris explores the issue.

Drugs and Democracy: Toward a Paradigm Shift

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 06, 2009, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On April 6, the Brookings Institution hosted former President of Brazil Fernando Henrique Cardoso and former President of Colombia César Gaviria for the U.S. release of the report “Drugs and Democracy: Toward a Paradigm Shift” by the Latin American Commission on Drugs and Democracy. As co-presidents of the Commission, Presidents Cardoso and Gaviria presented findings of the report and discussed its recommendations for reducing harm caused by illegal narcotics to people, societies and public institutions.

The Obama Administration and the Americas : Agenda for Change

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration inherits a daunting set of domestic and international policy challenges. The Obama Administration and the Americas, however, argues that the new administration should focus early and strategically on Latin America.

The Obama Administration and the Americas: Agenda for Change

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 01, 2009, 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM

On April 1, Brookings hosted a panel discussion on the upcoming Summit of the Americas and the recently released book, The Obama Administration and the Americas: Agenda for Change (Brookings Institution Press, 2009), edited by Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Abraham F. Lowenthal, Brookings Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of Foreign Policy Theodore J. Piccone and University of Oxford Fellow Laurence Whitehead.

The Violent Drug Market in Mexico and Lessons from Colombia

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Drug-related violence and the breakdown in security in Mexico have escalated to extraordinary levels over the past two years. Vanda Felbab-Brown examines this growing threat to civil society in Mexico, the spillover of crime into the U.S., how the situation compares to similar struggles in Colombia, and offers recommendations for a new strategy in the region.

Internal Displacement and the Construction of Peace

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Colombia has one of the world’s largest populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs), estimated between 2.6 and 4.3 million people. Although Colombia’s government has implemented political reconciliation and socioeconomic stabilization measures in recent years, long-term solutions for millions of displaced Colombians continue to be elusive.

Internal Displacement and Peacebuilding in Colombia

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 09:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 25, 2009, 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

The Colombian government has implemented political reconciliation and stabilization measures in recent years, yet internal displacement continues to be a major problem with estimates of the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) ranging from 2.6 to 4.3 million people. The Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement hosted the launch of a new report on internal displacement and peacebuilding in Colombia, written by Roberto Vidal of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota.

Public Policies to Assist Internally Displaced Persons: The Role of Municipal Authorities

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The intensification of the armed conflict in Colombia during the 1990s provoked the forced displacement of more than 2.4 million people, with the vast majority of municipalities either losing or receiving persons displaced by the conflict. Though Colombia has several national laws and decrees on internal displacement, implementation has been slow and uneven throughout the different state and municipal institutions. In this new report commissioned by the Brookings-Bern Project, Ana María Ibañez and Andrea Valásquez, examine the obstacles to greater involvement by municipal authorities with IDPs, focusing on four cases: Bogotá, Medellín, Antioquia, and Santa Marta.

Pay Attention to Latin America

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In a new op-ed outlining the recommendations by Brookings’s Partnership for the Americas Commission, co-chairs Ernesto Zedillo and Thomas Pickering detail the need for stronger hemispheric relations and outline five areas for potential policy partnerships for the next administration.

Internal Displacement, Transitional Justice, and Peacebuilding: Lessons Learned

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There is a close relationship between finding solutions for displaced persons and peacebuilding as peacebuilding involves: re-establishing security and law and order, reconstruction and economic rehabilitation, reconciliation and social rehabilitation, and political transition to creating more accountable governance structures and institutions. If IDP concerns in these areas are not taken seriously, it may jeopardize the sustainability of peace in the country.

Durable Solutions for IDPs in Protracted Situations: Three Case Studies

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Though there are important similarities in the impact of prolonged displacement on the lives of IDPs and refugees, there are also significant differences in their situations -- particularly when it comes to solutions. While return is often the desired solution for both IDPs and political actors, Alex Mundt and Elizabeth Ferris argue that local integration and return should not be seen as mutually exclusive alternatives, as they can encourage IDPs to build new lives elsewhere without having to give up the possibility of an eventual return.

Lessons from Another Crisis: Why Providing Debt Relief for Households is Not a Good Idea

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the financial crisis has widened, some analysts have asked the U.S. government to consider debt relief for American families who are struggling with mortgages they can no longer afford. Mauricio Cardenas explains how a previous crisis in Colombia offers lessons for the U.S. and argues that U.S. government debt relief is a bad idea.

A Conversation on Colombia with President Alvaro Uribe Vélez

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:30:00 GMT

Event Information:

September 19, 2008, 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM

On September 19, the Latin America Initiative at Brookings hosted a conversation with President Alvaro Uribe Vélez of Colombia. President Uribe discussed the U.S.-Colombia relationship, including economic and security challenges including his administration’s fight against the illegal drug trade and prospects for the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

Listening to the Voices of the Displaced: Lessons Learned

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When those working with IDPs develop programs and policies without taking the time to listen to those most affected — the IDPs themselves — plans often go wrong. In order to ensure their needs not only are met but also that lasting solutions are found for their displacement, Roberta Cohen explains that it is critical to listen to the voices of IDPs.

Crime in Latin America

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings expert Kevin Casas-Zamora writes that Latin American democracies must deal seriously with the mounting casualties of violence across the continent. He believes a comprehensive policy of reform among police forces, and the introduction of modern technology as well as more investment in civil society, can create lasting and sustainable solutions to crime.

The Impact of Health Insurance in Developing Countries: Experiences from China and Colombia

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

April 15, 2008, 10:00 AM to 12:45 PM

Many health systems in the developing world are plagued by unequal access to health care, low utilization of services and high user fees. On April 15, Global Economy and Development at Brookings hosted presentations from leading authorities on the impact of health insurance in developing countries.

Showdown on U.S.-Colombia FTA

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A blend of policy, process and politics may doom the free trade agreement between the United States and Colombia. Paul Blustein argues that President Bush's difficulty persuading Congress to ratify the pact may finally teach trade negotiators that bilateral trade agreements can be a lot more trouble than they’re worth.

Solutions for Colombia’s Displaced: The Constitutional Court, Commercial Activity and the Internal Displacement Crisis

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

March 10, 2008, 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

On March 10, the Brookings-Bern Project on Internal Displacement, in collaboration with the Washington Office on Latin America and the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre of the Norwegian Refugee Council, hosted a panel discussion on how to solve the challenges of the displacement crisis in Colombia. A distinguished panel of experts discussed the impact of the Constitutional Court's decisions on Internally Displaced Persons and the relationship between commercial activity and the internal displacement crisis, with a particular focus on the African palm oil industry.

A Dialogue: Engaging the Latin American World

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

In October and November of 2007, Brookings Scholars Michael O'Hanlon, Diana Negroponte and Leonardo Martinez-Diaz had an e-mail exchange with prominent Latin American scholars with a variety of perspectives to discuss the issues facing Latin America.

Internal Displacement in the Americas

Wed, 18 Feb 2004 09:00:00 GMT

Event Information:

February 18, 2004, 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM
February 20, 2004, 9:00 AM to 05:00 PM

There are an estimated 3.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Americas, the majority in Colombia. Most IDPs in the Americas are in need of humanitarian aid, protection and support for reintegration. The first regional seminar on internal displacement in the Americas was held in Mexico City on 18-20 February 2004, hosted by the Government of Mexico and co-sponsored by the Brookings-SAIS Project and the Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Internally Displaced Persons.

No Refuge: Colombia's IDP Protection Vacuum

Tue, 03 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli, Refugees International (6/3/03)

Internal Displacement in the Americas: Some Distinctive Features

Tue, 01 May 2001 00:00:00 GMT

The Americas today account for only some ten percent of the world's internally displaced persons —two to two and one half million of a total of twenty to twenty-five million— yet the continent has experienced some of the worst cases of displacement as well as some of the most successful remedial efforts. Whether in Central America or Peru in the 1980s and early 1990s, or today in Colombia, internal displacement in the Americas has pronounced features that distinguish it from other parts of the world.