Approaches to armed struggle and political action: a comparative analysis of the FARC and the Zapatistas

Abstract

The article is a study of the radical movement in Colombia in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) is compared to another revolutionary movement created in Mexico, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN). Both movements claimed to be public representatives in the areas of social justice and economic equality, but chose different approaches and strategies to achieve their goals. One chose the path of constant violence, while the other chose the path of dialogue and resolution of political and social problems.