Consolidating the Past and Risking the Future: Colombia's Developmental Trajectory and the Prospects for a Lasting Peace in the Wake of the Havana Accord

Abstract

In light of the peace accord between the Colombian government and the FARC in 2016, this article scrutinizes present-day dilemmas and obstacles to a sustainable settlement capable of addressing the long-term developmental inequities of Colombia. It is expected that as Colombia becomes more integrated in the globalized economy, the many parties involved in the conflict will increasingly realize that they have more to gain with peace than otherwise and that this will pave the way to a renewed effort toward peace. Yet despite its many promises, as of now, the peace negotiations have primarily served as a means of potentially boosting the economy and facilitating access to leading business groups and foreigner investors to Colombian resources rather than as a transformative move toward much-needed political and economic inclusivity. In fact, disturbing continuities between the inequalities that deepened during the protracted civil war and elements of 2016 peace agreement are noticeable.