Gobernabilidad y conflicto : conflicto armado interno y procesos de gobernabilidad local: análisis para el corregimiento de Altavista 2005-2010

Abstract

The thesis characterizes and interprets the impact that the internal armed conflict (and its converging of multiple violences) has on governability in the municipality of Altavista (Medellin, Colombia) -a political microcosm that may reflect national logics and dimensions of violence. The thesis is theoretically grounded on the concept of “reluctant governability”, as propounded by Torrijos (2009), as well as on the “differentiated state presence” thesis put forward by Launay-Gama (2011) and Fernán González (2011). The methodology combines quantitative and qualitative elements. It is based on a case study of Altavista and analyzes statistics on murders in the period between 2005 and 2010, describing their variation, their trends and their proportion of the total number of homicides in Medellin. It also makes use of interviews with leading and representative actors in the community. I analyze the results of the “Quirama Convention”, where the Ministry of Government and municipal social organizations participated and described the types of violence affecting Altavista, its causes and effects. Additionally, participatory observation was carried out in the councils of government and other community meetings with the purpose of interpreting the relationship between governors and governed in a violent context, and of exploring how governability is affected.