Critical ingredient: US aid to counterinsurgency in Colombia

摘要

In assisting states facing insurgencies, few subjectsare more vital than understanding the manner in which external aid can be applied in a sustainable manner. Colombia, touted by proponents as a case study for astute application of external reinforcement for democracy, is just as often held up by critics as an illustration of the misplaced priorities of the US. No part of the critique is more prevalent than assertions concerning the nature of US military assistance. American aid to counterinsurgency filled particular capacity gaps and enhanced capabilities that already existed.These were possible due to the Colombian ability to absorb input.