The Colombian Behemoth: Theories of the state, violence, and peace

Jorge Andrés Hernández

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The building of the modern state in Europe was part of an historic process that reacted to the violence of the Wars of Religion (16th to 17th centuries) and established the bases of peace and order for modern life in the West. This article reviews the theoretical bases of the theory of the state in terms of a Hobbesian dualism, symbolized by the figures of Leviathan (peace, order) and Behemoth (violence, anomie), in order to examine the historic failure in Colombia to construct a modern state. In effect, Colombia has been unable to construct an impersonal entity capable of subduing its multiple armed competitors and creating the conditions for peace and order.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)129-137
Number of pages9
JournalRevista de Estudios Sociales
StatePublished - Jan 1 2012
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Colombian Behemoth: Theories of the state, violence, and peace'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this