Institutional Professionalization of the Colombian Armed Forces and Its Impact onCurrent National Security Structures

摘要

The modern Colombian military is a complex and dynamic organization. It has beenable to adhere to the principles of respect for civilian authorities while at the same time being involved in a 30-year counterguerrilla struggle, increasing counternarcotics operation, and struggling with internal conflicts such as corruption and paramilitarism. This thesis analyzes Colombian military professionalism in terms of the relationship between the military hierarchy and the civilian authorities, in conjunction with the military's operational expertise and capabilities reflected by its military doctrine, definition of threats, and organizational structure. The Armed Forces' professionalization process was influenced by persistent political violence, foreign ideologies, historic lack of interest by civilian authorities in national security matters, and above all, by a dynamic threat definition and assessment by the military hierarchy and the civilian executive. Finally, this study examines the impact of the professionalization process on bilateral military relations between the United States and Colombian Armed Forces.