Exploring Territorial Peace A Case Study of the search for peace in Putumayo, Colombia

Abstract

This thesis investigates how to understand the Colombian concept of Territorial Peace. The Colombian Peace Agreement is the tool from which this peace should be constructed. Still, I argue, it is not clear what Territorial peace is nor can be. This thesis seeks to find some answers through a qualitative study of the peace process in the southern Amazonian department of Putumayo. Three complex issues are problematic for the territorial peacebuilding in Putumayo: 1) lack of social development, 2) coca farming and -production, and 3) weak local politics and democracy. I investigate peacebuilding attempts by looking at selected participation measures in the Colombian peace agreement and find that through the case study at hand, the State led peacebuilding in Putumayo is highly vulnerable. Nonetheless, Putumayans continue build territorial pece outside the realm of the state. Radical measures should be taken in order for the Colombian State to comply with what has been agreed upon. Bienvenidas y bienvenidos al Putumayo – Welcome to Putumayo