FARC Group Structure
Introduction The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia or FARC) is the” largest, best-trained and equipped, and most effective insurgent organization in Colombia and in South America” (Terrorist Group Profiles, 1988, p.102). The FARC was officially formed in 1966 as a leftist, communist group; however they leaned towards a Marxist strain of communism as their ideology. Although the FARC is concentrating less on the overthrow of the Colombian government, the group is still fighting for territory within the country, as well as taking part in illegal activities in order to fund their struggle.
Categorization
Of David Rapoport’s four waves, the FARC fits into the third wave, the New Left spanning …show more content…
Of the structural conditions, this militant group’s grievances includes political and economic. The facilitators, or conditions providing opportunities, include weapons, lawlessness, movement, funding, incompetent security apparatus, and a very prominent shadow economy.
Of the nonlinear dimensions, the dimensions that apply most to the FARC would be technological, funding, ideological, and cultural. The methodology of the group originally started as kidnap and ransom, where the FARC would seize an individual and demand a sum of money before letting them go. This served as a low-tech means for funding. In the 1980s, kidnapping was the main course of action for the group, with a few attacks thrown into the mix. Over time, the methodology of the FARC had changed to bombings and attacks due to an increase in …show more content…
This outcome is unlikely, however the FARC will continue to destabilize the Colombian democracy and disrupt economic activities. Furthermore, in recent times the FARC has participated in peace talks in order to try to negotiate with the government. In previous times, the FARC forces have attempted to make peace as well in efforts to prepare its political journey. However, in disregard to these efforts, the group continues to conduct ambushes, town seizures, extortion, etc. There is no doubt that the group will continue “its violent criminal action for the foreseeable future” (Ashley, 2012,
Categorization
Of David Rapoport’s four waves, the FARC fits into the third wave, the New Left spanning …show more content…
Of the structural conditions, this militant group’s grievances includes political and economic. The facilitators, or conditions providing opportunities, include weapons, lawlessness, movement, funding, incompetent security apparatus, and a very prominent shadow economy.
Of the nonlinear dimensions, the dimensions that apply most to the FARC would be technological, funding, ideological, and cultural. The methodology of the group originally started as kidnap and ransom, where the FARC would seize an individual and demand a sum of money before letting them go. This served as a low-tech means for funding. In the 1980s, kidnapping was the main course of action for the group, with a few attacks thrown into the mix. Over time, the methodology of the FARC had changed to bombings and attacks due to an increase in …show more content…
This outcome is unlikely, however the FARC will continue to destabilize the Colombian democracy and disrupt economic activities. Furthermore, in recent times the FARC has participated in peace talks in order to try to negotiate with the government. In previous times, the FARC forces have attempted to make peace as well in efforts to prepare its political journey. However, in disregard to these efforts, the group continues to conduct ambushes, town seizures, extortion, etc. There is no doubt that the group will continue “its violent criminal action for the foreseeable future” (Ashley, 2012,