Lawfare: The Colombian Case
Abstract
The terrorist groups in Colombia have applied Mao's theory of protracted people's war against the Colombian government. They are seeking to use all available means of struggle to achieve their revolutionary goals and to counteract government policy. One way that Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN), and illegal paramilitaries confront the nation is through the use of "lawfare," which is defined as an opposing force's use of the national and international judicial systems to achieve victory and legitimacy when they cannot challenge the government militarily. Terrorist groups have skillfully infiltrated the Colombian judicial system and are using both national legal institutions and the international law system against the government. They have received support for their struggle from various agents and organizations within Colombian society that, intentionally or unintentionally, are serving their interests. This monograph provides a holistic understanding of the complex situation currently taking place in Colombia, shows how FARC and ELN are using "lawfare" as a tool to challenge the government in the protracted people's war, and offers ways in which the government can deny the terrorist groups the ability to utilize the judicial system to achieve their political goals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA523182
Entities
People
- Juan M. Padilla
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College