The countries of Latin America are also often involved in various conflicts. Almost all Latin American conflicts last for quite a long time, up to several decades.
This prolonged conflict certainly claimed hundreds to thousands of civilian victims. Like the internal conflict in Colombia that occurred between the Colombian government and several rebel groups. This riot is even considered the largest conflict in the Latin American region.
Background of the Latin American Conflict
Latin America is known as one of the regions in the Americas with abundant resources. This wealth is what makes it hold an important position in the process of international cooperation.
However, this region is also often involved in various internal and inter-state conflicts. One of the triggering factors for conflict in Latin America is political instability.
Latin American countries with unstable political conditions include Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, and others. Usually caused by authoritarian government systems, internal conflicts and military coups.
In addition, large-scale economic exploitation also triggers dissatisfaction and conflict. Such as natural resources that are not managed properly and fairly for the benefit of the community. This happens because certain parties prioritize foreign interests or local elites.
Not only that, the turmoil of Latin American conflicts was also caused by foreign interference. The interference in question was in the form of support for authoritarian regimes or direct military intervention.
Conflict in Latin America
The ongoing conflicts in Latin America in general are very disruptive to international stability in the region. If you are curious, here are various Latin American conflicts that you need to know:
Colombian Conflict
The history of the Colombian conflict actually occurred from 1964 to 2016. This conflict involved the Colombian government, criminal syndicates (drug cartels), left-wing guerrilla forces (ELN and FARC-EP) and right-wing paramilitaries (AUC).
They fight each other with the aim of controlling some areas in Colombia. This Latin American conflict is historically rooted in acts of aggression and attacks called La Violence .
According to information from the National Center of Historical Memory of Colombia, there were at least 220,000 victims killed in this event. These victims include Colombian civilians and members of the war forces.
Various efforts have been made by several related parties to end the conflict that occurred. However, all actions that have been taken between related parties have not yet found a bright spot. Until finally involving mediators such as Norway and Cuba to create peace.
Peru Conflict
The Peruvian War was an armed conflict between the Maoist Shining Path guerrilla force and the Peruvian government. This Latin American conflict lasted from 1980 to the end of 2020.
As the fighting intensified, the rebel forces committed human rights violations. This is because many civilians were forcibly disappeared and massacred without reason.
The riots have claimed around 50,000 to 70,000 lives. In fact, this is the bloodiest war in Peru’s history. The high death toll includes civilians, because they are the main target for the rebels.
In 2000, the fighting began to subside and the death toll began to decline significantly. The conflict lasted for 40 years, making it the longest internal conflict after the Colombian Conflict.
Venezuela and Colombia Conflict
The cause of the conflict between Venezuela and Colombia lies in very different political and ideological interests. Colombia carries an ideology that is oriented towards the United States, while Venezuela is very anti-United States.
Problems related to ideological differences became more prominent after Venezuela was led by Hugo Chavez in 1998. Chavez’s victory drastically changed Venezuela’s political direction.
Personally, President Hugo Chavez is someone who has a socialist political orientation. His personality apparently influenced the course of his government while leading Venezuela.
Meanwhile, the President of Colombia is Andreas Pastrana who is known to be very anti-socialist. Andreas is very pro them so it is the opposite of Colombia.
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The Latin American conflict has a background that can be said to be very complex. Starting from historical, economic, political, social factors and many more. Various efforts such as negotiating with FARC-EP were made to end the conflict that occurred in the region.
Wow, it turns out that Latin America is a region with quite a lot of intrigue and conflict, huh, Pijar Friends? Hopefully this article helps you understand what’s happening there. Hey, are you interested in exploring the causes and effects of other world conflicts?