Unprotected borders are a serious threat to the security of a number of states around the globe. Indeed, the combination of weak states, ungoverned space, terrorism, and international criminal networks make a mockery of the Westphalian system of international order. Latin American countries are experiencing all of these maladies in varying degrees. The Andean region is under assault by a different kind of war that defies borders. In this context, Dr. Gabriel Marcella analyzes the lessons to be learned from the Colombian attack against the clandestine camp of the the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, which was located at an isolated area within Ecuador on March 1, 2008. This single incident and its aftermath had profound reverberations throughout the Hemisphere. The events leading to the attack illuminate the vulnerabilities of states, societies, and the international community to the actions of substate groups conducting criminal activities. Accordingly, the hemispheric...

The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (UN Strategy), which was adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly on 8 September 2006 includes a broad range of measures aimed at addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; preventing and combating terrorism; building States. counterterrorism capacities, strengthening the role of the UN system in the provision and facilitation of capacity building assistance; and ensuring respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis for the fight against terrorism. The Strategy identifies national governments as having primary responsibility for its implementation, while highlighting the supporting role that different parts of the UN system, regional and sub-regional bodies, and civil society should play in ensuring its effective implementation. By enumerating a holistic approach to addressing the terrorist threat, the Strategy represents a convergence of the global North.s post-11 September...

This background report examines the roots of the instability and the new government’s first steps to bring about far-reaching political and socio-economic change. Correa, a young economist who until briefly economy minister in the Alfredo Palacio administration (2005-2007) was basically a political unknown, came to power with the support of a political movement begun by left-wing intellectuals after President Lucio Gutiérrez was ousted in April 2005.

Latin America: an Agenda for Freedom, is part of this series of strategic proposals. This new report explains our interest in and concern for the future of western values in a specific part of the world: Latin America.

The information in this handbook is intended to help you understand your reactions to an act of terrorism or mass violence. It is not intended to be a substitute for the role of professionals with expertise in counseling trauma victims. Recovering from a traumatic event will take a long time and will not be easy. Everyone responds differently to trauma. No one reacts in a right or wrong way-just differently. It will help your recovery process if you do not expect too much of yourself and of others.