636: Colombia's Battle For Memory

Colombia Risk Analysis director Sergio Guzmán and report author Daniel Quezada discuss their study on the Colombia Calling podcast: "Colombia's Inconsistent Relationship with the Middle East." They examine how shifts in Colombia's Israel policy affect diplomatic credibility, trade and investment, and the country's relationships across the region. We discuss the Petro government, the De La Espriella government, the Gilinski family and much more. How does a US-led/ pro Israel policy benefit Colombia? Tune in for this and the Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart - for subscribers only this week. https://www.colombiariskanalysis.com

"Conflict was not only played out on the battlefield, but also in the symbolic field." Emily Hart and renowned Colombian political scientist María Emma Wills Obregón discuss collective memory, polarisation and conflict resolution - and how a country can weave itself back together after decades of war. So is history always written by the victors? Who is writing Colombia's collective memory? And why does it matter so much?   Remember to subscribe to the Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart on Substack: https://harte.substack.com   And support the Colombia Calling podcast: www.patreon.com/colombiacalling 

Scottish lawyer Heather Bain shares her recent trip to Colombia with the Colombian Caravana, highlighting the challenges faced by human rights defenders, the impact of conflict, and the importance of international awareness and advocacy. Catatumbo has a reputation for being a lawless area, and Heather recounts the realities of being there. The group was advised on the importance of clothing colours, as different colours can signify affiliations with various armed groups. Heather shares a tense moment, "I was told to avoid wearing navy because it could be misinterpreted, and there had been an incident with mistaken identity just before we arrived." This sense of danger was palpable, yet the work they were there to do was vital. Heather emphasized the importance of understanding the local context and being guided by their Colombian counterparts. Heather's experiences illustrate the complex and often dangerous landscape that human rights defenders navigate in Colombia. As she advocates for these defenders from afar, she underscores the importance of international awareness and support. In closing, Heather reminds us that the work of the Colombian Caravana is not just about visiting and observing—it's about forming connections and standing in solidarity with those who risk their lives for justice. https://www.colombiancaravana.org.uk   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.   Support us on www.patreon.com/colombiacalling

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Andrei Gómez-Suárez discusses the complex peace negotiations with the Comuneros del Sur in Nariño, Colombia, exploring the historical context, recent developments, and the challenges of peace-building in a region deeply intertwined with illicit economies and social fabric. Key topics: Historical background of Comuneros del Sur and ELN in Colombia. Recent peace negotiations and partial agreements. Territorial control and social fabric of Nariño. Illicit economies and drug trafficking. Impact of peace process on local communities. Challenges of implementing peace agreements. Role of civil society and indigenous groups. Political dynamics and regional elections. Read Andrei Gómez-Suárez's book on his childhood in the midst of political violence in Colombia: https://a.co/d/0h94DhJ4   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

In this episode, Dr. Gwen Burnyeat explores the fascinating relationship between horses, politics, and identity in Colombia, revealing how equestrian practices reflect broader social and political dynamics. Dr Gwen Burnyeat is Associate Professor in Anthropology and Development at Oxford University. The world of Colombian gaited horses, or cultura caballista (horse-riding culture), is often linked with uribismo, the right-wing identity associated with former president Álvaro Uribe Vélez. Ethnographic fieldwork in conflict-torn Antioquia reveals how horse-human practices of training, breeding, and competition cultivate orientations toward hierarchical authority, disciplined hypermasculinity, and control over land and living bodies. This occurs within histories of racialized regional identity, paramilitarism, and narco-culture. Read the full article: https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/cultura-caballista-right-wing-political-identities-and-gaited-hor/   Tune in for this episode and the Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart.  

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl chats with Eric Tabone about his entrepreneurial journey in Colombia, the nuances of hiring across Latin America, and the cultural shifts in Bogota over the years. As a seasoned entrepreneur based in Colombia, Eric shares his experiences and insights from his journey to establish successful businesses in Latin America. Eric's latest venture, Nearshore Business Solutions, aims to bridge the gap between US companies and talent across Latin America. He emphasises the importance of hiring locally to create meaningful opportunities while also helping businesses tap into the rich talent pool in the region. "I started this company about two years ago... we help US companies hire across Latin America." As Eric continues to navigate the complexities of business and life in Colombia, his insights serve as a valuable reminder of the opportunities and challenges that come with being an entrepreneur in a vibrant and evolving market. For more on Eric's journey and to hear his thoughts on the future of Nearshore Business Solutions, check out the full episode.   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, freelance journalist Katharine Houreld discusses the complex involvement of Colombian mercenaries in the Sudan conflict, the regional and global power dynamics, and the human stories behind the headlines. Key topics include: The current conflict in Sudan and its origins. The involvement of Colombian mercenaries and their recruitment channels. Regional and international powers backing different sides in Sudan. The human stories of mercenaries and civilian victims. The role of external support and sanctions in prolonging the conflict. The impact of the conflict on neighboring countries and regional stability. The legal and moral questions surrounding mercenary participation in war. The future outlook for Sudan and the potential for resolution.   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Brian Murphy O'Neill shares the story of La Leyenda, a multi-stage mountain bike race in Colombia, celebrating its 10th anniversary. He discusses the race's growth, its role in promoting Colombia as an adventure tourism destination, and future plans including expansion into Aruba, Punta Cana, and on to Asia. The conversation shifts to future plans, focusing on the upcoming race scheduled for July 26-30, 2027, in Cali and the Valle del Cauca. Brian describes the excitement surrounding the event, stating, "Our team... it's always special to come back here." He highlights the unique cycling routes and the vibrant culture of Cali, which he believes offers an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike. https://www.la-leyenda.com   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl interviews Simon Faulkner - Senior Lecturer of Academic Excellence at University College Birmingham - about the impact of natural disasters on Colombia's tourism industry, exploring recovery models, infrastructure challenges, and strategies for building resilient destinations. Key topics: Disaster management frameworks in tourism Impact of earthquakes on Colombian destinations Infrastructure challenges in Colombia's tourism sector Community involvement in recovery efforts Diversification of tourism products post-disaster  Sustainable tourism development in Colombia.    The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.  

In this week's discussion on the Colombia Calling podcast, Richard McColl reconnects with Jenny Pearce, a visiting professor at the International Inequalities Institute at the London School of Economics. They delve into her recent book, "¿Quién manda en Colombia? Elites, Poder y Nación", co-authored with Juan David Velasco Montoya. This work not only explores the historical context of Colombian elites but also challenges the common narrative surrounding violence in the country. A critical part of Jenny's work is her analysis of the five "constellations of elites" in Colombia, which include oligarchic, technocratic, union, political, and legal elites. This framework illustrates how these groups interact across different sectors of society, emphasizing that Colombia's power dynamics are complex and interconnected. Jenny describes Colombia as a singular case rather than a paradox, where high levels of inequality coexist with electoral stability. This unique characteristic is essential for understanding the country's political and economic history, as she explains: "You have to connect the reproduction of the violences, the high levels of inequality, and the macroeconomic stability." Through her rigorous research, Jenny Pearce invites us to reconsider the narratives surrounding power and violence in Colombia. Her insights not only enrich our understanding of Colombian society but also challenge us to think critically about the role of elites in shaping the future. For a deeper dive into these compelling themes, check out Jenny's book, "¿Quién manda en Colombia?", which serves as both a scholarly reference and a call to action for addressing the complexities of power in Colombia.   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.