David Golding examines how the Guatemalan military specifically targeted maize and milpa in its operations during the 1970s and 80s. He argues that the objective of these campaigns was to subjugate Mayan cultural space and food production, previously autonomous, to state control under the guise of development.

Having recently returned from an International Election Observer Mission to El Salvador, Jennifer Dillon reflects on how the voters in this growing democracy have revived her belief in the electoral process and brought the magic back to Election Day.

Why Honduras matters to Chavez Author: Will Grant Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 07/07/2009   As the situation unfolds at pace in Honduras, state television in Venezuela is not letting up on its coverage. It interviewed President Manuel Zelaya live from his airplane as he tried to

This paper traces the development of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). A UN affiliated hybrid International-National quasi-judicial entity, CICIG was mandated to help investigate and prosecute organized crime groups in Guatemala and was heralded as an important step forward in the fight against impunity. This paper explores

US influence in El Salvador’s civil war Author: Oscar Alvarado Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on 03/06/2009 In El Salvador the rich and powerful have systematically defrauded the poor and denied eighty percent of the people any voice in the affairs of their country. A revolution is now

Colette Hellenkamp delves into the complexity of violence in El Salvador, touching on both obstacles and potential pathways to constructing a culture of peace. Her analysis highlights the challenges of outflow migration, socio-economic and power inequalities, governmental ineptitude in addressing root causes of violence, rampant gang activity and organized crime,

Tags: El Salvador, peace process, gangs, rehabilitation, reintegration, ceasefire, sanctuary cities, Catholic Church, decolonizing peace, homicide, conflict transformation.

A Reflection on Violence, Gangs and State Repression in Central America

Hip Hop and the Art of Peace Education Academic Research, by earthsaylove.org Sufiya Yamin talks with G1 and RodStarz of Rebel Diaz about building community through art and music, opposing cultures of violence, and proposing cultures of justice, dignity, and peace.

The Sixaola River Basin crosses the border between Costa Rica and Panama, and is home to Yorkín and Bribrí communities, raising legal and social challenges for equitable and secure water management. This paper outlines some of these challenges and makes recommendations for reducing human vulnerability to hazards (particularly floods) and