SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN COLOMBIA: CASE STUDY OF THE PASTRANA AND URIBE ADMINISTRATIONS

This study seeks to investigate the why the government of Colombia has failed to successfully negotiate an end to the civil war with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC). Violence continues to affect all levels of society with a particularly strong impact on communities in rural areas. The study will examine the negotiations taken place during the Pastrana and Uribe administrations with the FARC. Through an analysis of negotiation theory and strategies for conflict resolution, my findings demonstrate the importance of civil society inclusion. Colombian communities continue to be deeply affected by the internal conflict, have limited access to their political system, lack economic mobility and are affected by regional policy initiatives.