This case study from the Institute for Development and Peace analyses the main conflicts in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and examines the mechanisms that have been developed to prevent or resolve them. The paradigms that guide debates on the prevention of violent conflict in the region need to be changed. The causes of conflict are cumulative and so prevention should take into account the three interrelated aspects of development, governance and the promotion of a culture of peace.
Lack of attention to the progress of a conflict is generally the reason behind its escalation into violence. In LAC, new types of intra-state conflict are rooted in social, ethnic, political and economic factors, and so resolving them is more complex. International actors are being called upon to intercede in many cases. This has complicated the situation and led to the development of a variety of mechanisms for cooperation. Additionally, non-state actors have started playing a role in violent conflict prevention and resolution.
The current situation in LAC sub-regions indicates that violent conflict prevention is an important issue.
- In the near future, the region could see an escalation of violence due to social and political polarisation, especially in the Andean region and more specifically in Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
- Of the four sub-regions, the Andean region is the most prone to violent conflict due to the presence of guerrillas, drug traffickers, paramilitary groups and the armed forces of several countries.
- It is expected that violence will probably deepen and extend, thus threatening peace and security at least at the South American level.
Unfortunately, very little attention is being paid to the evolution of conflict. There are some key aspects that should be addressed in order to prevent the renewal or escalation of violent conflict in LAC.
- Structural prevention is important in order to deal with the root causes of these conflicts.
- Prevention should become a priority, with early warning systems at the national, sub-regional and regional levels.
- Sub-regional organisations should strengthen and institutionalise the mechanisms that they have already approved in order to prevent the use of ad hoc initiatives.
- Tools need to be designed to deal with challenges such as public insecurity, access to natural resources and land, and urban violence associated with gangs, drug trafficking and organised crime.
- Civil society organisations can contribute by defining strategies, participating in early warning, and monitoring and assessing the implementation of peace agreements, as well as by designing dialogues between different social and political actors.
- LAC could learn lessons and gain assistance from the EU. Unlike the US, the EU promotes issues related to the environment, migration, trade and investment as well as development. It also avoids the bilateral and continental approaches favoured by the US.
