Conflict-Economy and Post-Conflict: Evidence for The Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

For more than fifty years, Colombia experienced an internal conflict armed with guerrillas and paramilitaries. This, according to some studies, contributed to reduce the opportunities for economic growth. Given the consolidation of a peace agreement with the guerrilla group, the FARC, expectations and fears have been raised about the country’s course in a post-conflict environment, especially in the regions where the armed actions of the conflict made them more vulnerable. This article analyzes the impact of the conflict in the Colombian Caribbean, relating the criminal acts in function of the regional Gross Domestic Product [GDP]. It also reflects on the problems of institutionality derived from the conflict. It is found that for each attack carried out by the guerrillas, the regional GDP decreases by 0.3%; and if the attacks are caused by the paramilitaries, this is reduced by 0.1%. The article presents a review of the strategies and policies implemented in some countries with post-conflict agreements. The results and reflections point to the need to think post-conflict beyond the cessation of the use of weapons with a search for positive peace in order to assume the new risk implemented in the current ways in which the new civilizing spaces are built.