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Democratic Governance and the Rule of Law: Lessons from Colombia

Authored by Dr. Gabriel Marcella.

Brief Synopsis

The 2009 Failed States Index identifies many nations as being in danger of becoming failed states—in fact, two-thirds of the world’s states are critical, borderline, or in danger of becoming just that. Failed states do not possess the necessary conditions to have truly sovereign governments that meet the needs of their populations. Colombia garnered a rating of 89 on the 2009 Failed States Index, just below that of Kyrgyzstan. It has experienced conflict for decades and as the author observed, was a “paradigm for a failing state” in that it was replete with terrorism, kidnapping, murder, corruption, and general lawlessness. But today it is much safer through the imposition of the Rule of Law. The author addresses the rule of law and its impact on Colombia.

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Also by the Author/Editor:

Teaching Strategy: Challenge and Response
Affairs of State: The Interagency and National Security
War without Borders: The Colombia-Ecuador Crisis of 2008
American Grand Strategy for Latin America in the Age of Resentment
The United States and Colombia: The Journey from Ambiguity to Strategic Clarity
Plan Colombia: Some Differing Perspectives
Plan Colombia: The Strategic and Operational Imperatives
Colombia's Three Wars: U.S. Strategy at the Crossroads

View other pubs in the following categories:

Landpower Employment & Sustainment
War and Society
Western Hemisphere
Civilian Roles
Colombia
International
Nation Building