The role of economic actors in the Colombian armed conflict

Abstract: This thesis assesses the role of two economic actors in the Colombian armed conflict: a multinational company in the agricultural sector and artisanal and small-scale miners in the extractive sector during one of the worst episodes of violence in the Urabá region of Colombia (1990 – 2003). The document combines an analysis of particular business characteristics and a description of the historical legacies that shaped the economic patterns of the areas where the businesses operated. The findings suggest that the intensification of conflict created new funding opportunities for the armed actors. While the multinational company decided to voluntarily finance paramilitary structures in exchange for protection and security, artisanal and small-scale miners were victims of forced displacement and armed groups took control over the extractive activity. In both cases, the government’s failure to meet its control and security obligations allowed armed actors to shape economic and local political institutions in favor of their interests.