Public Opinion and the Peace Process in Colombia
Since the beginning of the peace process between the government of President Juan Manuel Santos and guerillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), public opinion polls have consistently reflected two impulses. While the majority of the Colombian public supports the talks, there is also deep skepticism of the FARC’s interest in reaching or abiding by the terms of a final accord. The distrust has only deepened in the wake of a recent FARC attack that killed 11 soldiers, contravening a unilateral cease-fire declared by the guerrillas.
Researchers from Georgia State University have conducted an experimental national survey to measure public opinion regarding transitional justice and the legitimacy of a negotiated peace. They assess the constraints on the peace negotiators given the context of new international norms and the important role of Colombian public opinion in eventually approving and supporting an agreement.
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Associate Research Professor, Fletcher School, Tufts University
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Latin America Program
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