Beyond 'plata o plomo': Drugs and State Reconfiguration in Colombia

The oligopoly of coercion theory explains the relationship between drug trafficking and the reconfiguration of the state in Colombia. It suggests that corruption in oligopolies of coercion is a payment by drug traffickers for acting like a parallel state, the state criminalizes more drug as merchandise than as capital, and the politics and war around drug trafficking are a way for peripheral societies to access global markets through the ruling institutions of private armies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The concept of oligopoly of coercion is introduced to interpret the interaction between drug trafficking and the reconfiguration of the state in Colombia. Three central elements are at the heart of this interpretation:

Corruption within oligopolies of coercion must be understood as drug traffickers paying for the privilege of acting as a parallel state.

The state criminalizes more drug as merchandise than as capital, treating it as its equivalent in money.

The politics and war surrounding drug trafficking in Colombia should be viewed as the means by which peripheral societies access global markets through the ruling institutions of private armies.

With these elements as a framework, the author delves into the dynamics of the reconfiguration of the state in Colombia following the cocaine boom in the mid-1970s and the evolution of private armies in the country.

The cocaine boom in Colombia in the mid-1970s brought about significant changes in the country's political and social landscape. The production and distribution of cocaine had become a lucrative industry, attracting both local and international drug cartels. The government, initially reluctant to confront the drug trade, was eventually forced to take action due to the growing influence and power of the cartels.

One of the most significant consequences of the cocaine boom was the reconfiguration of the state in Colombia. The government, which had previously been dominated by the military and the elite, was now increasingly influenced by the drug cartels. The cartels used their power and resources to exert control over various aspects of Colombian society, including politics, security, and the economy.

The drug cartels also established their own private armies, which were used to protect their interests and expand their operations. These private armies were often composed of former soldiers, paramilitaries, and criminal groups, and they operated with little to no oversight from the government.

The reconfiguration of the state in Colombia had profound implications for the country's security and stability. The drug cartels were able to exert their influence over the government and the security forces, leading to increased violence and corruption. The private armies, in turn, were responsible for the widespread human rights abuses and violence that characterized the country during this period.

Despite the challenges posed by the cocaine boom, Colombia was able to make significant progress in addressing the drug trade and its associated problems. The government launched a comprehensive anti-drug campaign, which included the deployment of military forces and the cooperation of international organizations. The campaign was successful in reducing the production and distribution of cocaine, and it also led to the arrest and prosecution of many drug cartels and their leaders.

In addition, the government has worked to address the social and economic consequences of the drug trade. It has implemented programs to provide education and job training to former drug addicts and to support small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in areas affected by the drug trade.

The evolution of private armies in Colombia has also been a significant aspect of the country's drug trade. Private armies were initially established by the drug cartels to protect their interests and expand their operations. However, as the drug trade became more complex and violent, the private armies began to play a more significant role in the country's security and political landscape.

The private armies were often composed of former soldiers, paramilitaries, and criminal groups, and they operated with little to no oversight from the government. They were responsible for the widespread human rights abuses and violence that characterized the country during this period, including the recruitment and training of child soldiers and the use of torture and other forms of violence against civilians.

Despite the challenges posed by the private armies, Colombia has made progress in addressing them. The government has launched a comprehensive disarmament and demobilization program, which has resulted in the arrest and prosecution of many private army leaders and the disarmament of thousands of soldiers and paramilitaries.

In conclusion, the cocaine boom in Colombia in the mid-1970s led to the reconfiguration of the state in the country, with the drug cartels exerting increasing influence over the government and the security forces. The private armies, composed of former soldiers, paramilitaries, and criminal groups, were responsible for the widespread human rights abuses and violence that characterized the country during this period. Despite the challenges posed by the drug trade and the private armies, Colombia has made significant progress in addressing these issues. The government's anti-drug campaign, disarmament and demobilization program, and efforts to address the social and economic consequences of the drug trade have contributed to the country's improved security and stability.

Weight: 510g
ISBN-13: 9781108810326