Cultivating Autonomy: Maize and Cultural Survival in El Quiché, Guatemala
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.
Reflections on an Observation: El Salvador International Election Observation Mission
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
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 return to Honduras on Sunday […]
The Creation of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala: Miscalculation by a ‘Corporate Mafia State’?
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 the often heard narrative that human rights groups successfully convinced first the Portillo administration and then the Berger government to agree to support CICIG, and analyzes alternative rationales. The paper suggests that the Portillo government sought to derive short term benefits from supporting the agreement but may have miscalculated in its assessment of long term risks. The Berger administration clearly derived benefits from the agreement, including the reinstatement of certain US military aid, as did the Colom administration. The paper also suggests that despite its mandate to strengthen national investigations and the judiciary system, some of CICIG’s greatest successes were achieved through public actions and the eventual resignation of the founding Commissioner Castresana. The paper concludes that even though CICIG’s institutional reform efforts have been piecemeal, they are significant nonetheless.
US influence in El Salvador’s civil war
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 underway and we are one […]
War and Peace in El Salvador
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, as well as El Salvador’s history of military dictatorship and violent civil war.
El Salvador’s uncertain path to peace
Tags: El Salvador, peace process, gangs, rehabilitation, reintegration, ceasefire, sanctuary cities, Catholic Church, decolonizing peace, homicide, conflict transformation.
Clockwork Limón
A Reflection on Violence, Gangs and State Repression in Central America
Hip hop as global resistance: A conversation with Rebel Diaz
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.
Water Security in the Sixaola River Basin
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 for improving relationships among stakeholders.