The Shining Path: The Successful Blending of Mao and Mariategui in Peru
Abstract
This study analyzes the Peruvian Maoist Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) movement to discover an explanation for its survival and growth in power. The nature of the insurgency, to include the movement's goals, forms of warfare, ideology, strategy, organization and unity, popular support, and external support are analyzed within the context of the Peruvian environment and the government response. The author concludes that the Shining Path's survival and growth in power results from the movement's superior strategy, its organizational capability, and the government's response. The Shining Path has adapted Maoism to Peru's current realities. Its strategy, although controversial for its use of terrorism and sabotage of Peru's economic infrastructure, has proven successful to date. Most importantly, it has a cohesive organization that is remarkably adaptable. The Shining Path's external support network aids in politically isolating the Peruvian government internationally and provides significant funding from coca cultivation. The government's failure to recognize the nature of the insurgency, its seeking of a primarily military solution to the insurgency, and the brutal repression it has imposed has contributed to the Shining Path's success. Shining Path, Sendero Luminoso, Peru, insurgency, civil defense forces, Abimael Guzman, Luis Arce Borge, Ayacucho, coca, Maoism drug trafficking, Upper Huallaga Valley, Fujimori, rondas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA255144
Entities
People
- William G. Graves
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College