This study assesses the evolution of the Colombian insurgency and drug trafficking situation, through 1994. The Colombian government's efforts to meet both challenges are detailed and analyzed in order to conclude if a peace between the government and the guerrillas--and a disbandment of the Colombian drug industry--is probable. Also, the abundant circumstantial evidence is evaluated to describe the relationship that exists between the guerrillas and drug traffickers. The findings reveal that there is an inconsistent and ever changing relationship between the guerrillas and the drug traffickers and that the main guerrilla organizations are involved in various aspects of the drug industry and are in part financed from that involvement. The study concludes that as the guerrilla's finances and accompanying influence grow, the harder it will be for the Colombian government to negotiate a peace agreement. Furthermore, the counter-drug actions of the United States and Colombia alone will not dissolve the drug industry in Colombia. For the drug industry to feel the counter-drug impact, sustained countermeasures must be a coordinated worldwide effort.

ADA 299012 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)