Colombia's Military Doctrine Finally Faces Scrutiny: Armed conflict in Colombia has changed dramatically since the peak of the civil war more than two decades ago. The government's security strategy may at last be catching up.

Colombia's military doctrine is being questioned as the country's armed conflict has evolved. President Gustavo Petro has promised a new approach, including negotiations with armed groups and a shift away from aggressive military strategies. However, progress has been mixed, with negotiations having varying outcomes and violence in conflict regions persisting. Petro's strategy combines military deployment and peacebuilding, but concerns remain about the effectiveness of a militarized approach. The government is also addressing the increase in cocaine production and the control of criminal armed groups in rural areas. The new military doctrine prioritizes protecting civilians and targeting the financial activities of these groups. However, challenges persist, such as the lack of trust in the military and the need for long-term investment and state-building. The United States supports Petro's peace efforts, but there are critics both domestically and internationally. Despite the challenges, there is an opportunity for genuine peacebuilding by establishing trust with affected communities and respecting their human rights. Joshua Collins, a freelance reporter in Colombia, covers civil rights, migration, and the impact of crime on human rights. His work provides valuable insights into these topics, offering a diverse perspective on the country's issues. Library patrons researching these subjects can benefit from Collins' culturally sensitive and respectful reporting. [Extracted from the article]