Terrorism in Latin America

Abstract

Although the study of terrorism in general is rife with definitional disagreements and overlap of different types of violence, the study of terrorism in Latin America is especially challenged by these issues. There are few sources of cross-nationally comparable violence data and it is difficult to differentiate terrorism from other types of violence. Violent actors are frequently categorized in multiple categories, ranging from gangs to guerrilla. A subnational analysis is recommended to take into account divergent levels of development, violence, and state presence within countries. This approach is necessary to understand violent groups in Latin America that not only differ by front or faction, but also to examine groups that either straddle multiple categories of violence or fall in the gaps between them.