From Coexistence and Complementarity to Confrontation? Colombian Paramilitaries, Their Successors and Their Relation to the State

Abstract

Colombian paramilitaries have 'demobilized'; some of the most prominent figures of the former Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia are serving prison sentences. But news of selective murders speak of post-paramilitary activities. Without neglecting the role of the state, this article focuses on the ambiguous relation between state and non-state actors, between state presence and fragmented sovereignty, and the oscillation between collusion and confrontation over time. As this requires a typology of different organized non-state violent actors, the article deciphers differences between former autodefensas and new bandas criminales. Is their relation to state institutions one of coexistence, complementarity and collusion or one of confrontation?