UIMF President Reports Research on Colombian Armed Conflict at National Security House

Dallas Karren, at the UVU Center for National Security Studies

 

            On November 11th, 2021, I was part of a four person panel and presented my research and recent publication on twentieth-century Colombian political history and the armed conflict to the modern era to attendees at the National Security Studies House.

            Other panelists included Hunter Karr, who presented on Targeting Data and the Law of Armed Conflict; Christopher Bishop, Chinese Naval Strategy in the South China Sea; and Dallas Allred, who spoke on Intervention in Libya.

Dallas Karren, presenting to members of the NSS.

            During the presentation, I was able to explain Colombian politics and government and the events that have shaped them. My research focused heavily on the political history of Colombia in the twentieth century and the causes and effects of the armed conflict with organized criminal groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), M-19, and the National Liberation Army (ELN). I also briefly addressed the 1991 Constitution promulgated due to these events, and plan as a constitutionalist to do so further in another research project that I have already begun.

            In the modern era, I analyzed regional tensions such as disputes over sovereignty and the 2008 Andean Diplomatic Crisis, the ongoing crisis in neighboring Venezuela, the Colombian drug trade, and the peace process. Bogotá and Washington enjoy a strong relationship, and Colombia is the strongest U.S. ally in the region, as well as the only Latin American member of NATO. The United States shares many joint interests with Colombia, which is what has made our collaboration so beneficial and successful. I believe that Colombia has demonstrated resilience despite immense difficulties, and that considerably significant progress has been achieved in Colombia during a relatively short time frame proving the Andean country’s status and potential as a regional leader and model in South and Central America.

Dallas Karren explains Colombia’s political system

This event coincides with my recent meeting with Utah Rotary District Governor Elect Jose Velasco, and my own involvement in a peace building initiative, "hagamos las pases," in Colombia to implement post-war reconstruction programs to reinforce Colombian institutions and structural frameworks that create and sustain a peaceful government and society. This country and people I love have been torn by a 52 year civil war with the FARC. Through the multilateral efforts I discussed with Mr. Velasco, we will further the progress since the historic 2016 peace accords.

Mr. Dallas Karren, UIMF President