What is it about?

This paper analyses the factors that have influenced the emergence, development and outcomes of the process of civil resistance in the context of armed conflict in the municipality of Samaniego in Colombia.

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Why is it important?

Based on a case study, this paper provides an in-depth understanding of the factors that can influence the emergence, development and outcomes of civil resistance in the context of armed conflict. It not only offers insights into an understudied theme in the academia, but its findings also have practical implications. In particular, we show that broad participation in a civil resistance movement and good cohesion enhance the chance of success. We also emphasize the importance of the strategies used by the movement, such assetting specific and attainable goals to simultaneously address direct violence and its root causes, maintain the principles of nonviolence and impartiality, gain leverage over armed groups, and secure some level of buy-in from warring parties, in order to achieve proposed goals.

Perspectives

It would not have been possible to write this paper without the collaboration of many people in Samaniego, who voluntarily shared their views with us. During our fieldwork we heard many stories of courage and commitment to peace in the midst of the adverse conditions of a war setting. These stories have inspired us and motivated us to do more research about this and other cases of civil resistance in the context of armed conflict, in order to better appraise how such initiatives can contribute to peacebuilding.

Cécile Mouly
Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO)

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This page is a summary of: How Peace Takes Shape Locally: The Experience of Civil Resistance in Samaniego, Colombia, Peace and Change, March 2016, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/pech.12184.
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