Crime, (counter-)insurgency and the privatization of security - the case of MedellÃn, Colombia
Abstract
This paper describes and explains the very high and sustained levels of violence in MedellÃn, Colombia, over the last 20 years. Even within the turbulent context of Colombia, MedellÃn has experienced unusually severe violence, and several peace processes undertaken within the city have failed to provide more than temporary relief. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp paper argues that this state of affairs has been the product of a “politicization of crimeâ€� in the city, a phenomenon that has been linked to global markets and a breakdown in the state’s provision of security. This failure of state provision created the opportunity for various insurgent and counter-insurgent forces to provide security themselves, thereby maintaining an uneasy truce with the authorities, commanding the allegiance of local communities, and establishing an urban base for their activities.
Citation
Environment and Urbanization (2004) 16 (2) 17-30 [doi:10.1177/095624780401600209]