Colombia’s violence and corruption – and the links between them – are well-known in this country, but are poorly understood. Millions of good people, living in a beautiful but troubled country, are coping with realities that few in the United States comprehend. Historical and contemporary circumstances combine to fragment civil society, and to deprive citizens of economic and political choices, while powerful figures plunder the economy and combine illicit influence with violence. The images we are given make matters worse – encouraging us to view Colombians as inherently corrupt while ignoring their strength and values, and making it easy to demand that they somehow solve our own drug-trafficking problems for us, even if that means adding more violence and poverty to a tragic situation.

On October 3, five panelists will analyze the origins and current dynamics of violence and corruption in Colombia, and will debate the question of whether there is any way out.  Antonio Barrera of Colgate University, Michael Jimenez of the University of Pittsburgh, Edmundo Morales of West Chester University, Eduardo Pizarro of Notre Dame University, and Pilar Mejia of Hamilton, New York, will challenge the things we all think we know about Colombia and put a human face on a situation that is all too often misunderstood. Please join us for a provocative discussion.

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Click here for a list of books and articles about Colombia and corruption available through the Colgate Libraries.