Colombia’s Democratic Security Agenda: Public Order in the Security Tripod

Abstract

Colombia’s current democratic security policy aims to re-establish internal order and to protect the civilian population from the depredations of illegal, armed organizations, within a framework of rights and protections related to the rule of law. Although the government distinguishes its ‘get tough’ strategy, which has been developed within institutional parameters, from previous national security approaches, in which unchecked powers led to abuses against society, the actual policy content continues to privilege a conventional military approach to security problems. Given the critical levels of violence and instability in Colombia, however, I suggest that the overall strategic orientation that emphasizes law, order, and state authority over institutional strengthening is appropriate in the short run. A comprehensive, viable security model must incorporate the three dimensions of physical safety for society and state, institutional guarantees, and socioeconomic development, yet complex security emergencies such as Colombia’s warrant prioritizing the public order component of the security tripod. The challenge for the Colombian government will be to move forward quickly with second-order institutional reforms and social development programs so as to legitimate its security policies and make them sustainable in the mid and long term.