Browsing by Author "Hughes-Wilson, John"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Overcoming the odds – integration of intelligence agencies in Columbia
    (2006-08-11) Roldan, Vicente Echandia; Hughes-Wilson, John; Brudenell, Anna Maria
    Colombia has been seriously affected by terrorism and criminal organizations operating in its territory. FARC, ELN, AUC, and drug trafficking organizations operating in the country have developed into a regional threat and seriously erode democracy and the rule of law for parts of the population. In August 7 2002, President Alvaro Uribe came into office backed by a clear mandate to strengthen the rule of law and the authority of the state throughout the nation. With a clear goal in mind, and recognizing the importance of intelligence in the war against terrorism, the Uribe administration has initiated a pushed for a transformation to increase the effectiveness of intelligence agencies, through, among others, their integration into an effective interagency community. It has proved no easy feat. Similarly to experiences lived by other countries, the intelligence agencies have different backgrounds, confusing tasks and little interest in working closer. Structural, cultural and political issues affect the integration process of the intelligence agencies. Lack of knowledge on the part of the intelligence consumers has also played a historic role in their evolution. Although major improvements have been achieved in the last ten years, through cooperation with countries like the United States of America and the United Kingdom, much remains to be done. While some of the elements required for an effective transformation have been set out, others remain awaiting. In the process of integration some successes have been accomplished, but setbacks have also happened. A continued effort towards further integration, a process that has already been started, will be the only way for the intelligence agencies to defeat an adversary, that in the case of narcoterrorism, threatens there very existence