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Case Study: The Republic Of Colombia

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Introduction The Republic of Colombia, located on the northwest corner of South America has a population of approximately 47 million. Colombia gained its independence from Spain in 1830 and became the first constitutional government in South America. Deep political divisions in the 1940’s and 1950’s gave rise to several anti government guerilla groups, such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The FARC originally organized to support the peasant class who was struggling against harsh working conditions. By 1964, the FARC had adopted an active military resistance as part of its political platform to seize power. Armed conflicts between the FARC and the Colombian government continued for the next five decades and the FARC utilized proceeds from the illegal drug trade to finance their military actions.
Current Events Facing significant military setbacks over the last five years, the FARC agreed to begin peace talks with the Colombian government in 2012. The goal of the negotiations was to reach a ceasefire agreement and introduce former FARC members into mainstream society and the legitimate political process (CIA World Factbook). Both sides have elements that are not supportive of any peace agreement and continue attacks, even in the backdrop of …show more content…

The CIA World Factbook states that Colombia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown at a rate of higher than four percent for the last three years. Colombia has depended heavily on energy and mining exports which makes it susceptible to changing commodity prices. Additionally, the sustained rise in GDP has persuaded all three major economic rating organizations to upgrade the country’s debt to investment level, which will stimulate foreign investment (CIA World

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