Colombia: What Everyone Needs to Know®

by Richard D. Mahoney

Colombia's recent past has been characterized by what its Nobel laureate Gabriel García Marquez once called "a biblical holocaust" of human savagery. Along with the scourge of drug-related massacres facing the country, politically-motivated assassinations (averaging 30 per day in the 1990s), widespread disappearances, rapes, and kidnappings have run rampant through the country for decades. For many Colombians, the violence oft-invoked in today's immigration debate is a bleak and inescapable reality. And yet, with only eleven years of military rule during its 200 some years of independence, Colombia's democratic tradition is among the richest and longest-standing in the hemisphere. The country's economic growth rate over the last 75 years is among the highest in South America, the overall living satisfaction of its citizens is on par with citizens of France, and it is home to some of the continent's best universities and most dazzling fine and industrial arts.With such contradictions, even to experts, Colombia is one of the most confusing countries in the Americas. In this new addition to the popular What Everyone Needs to Know® series, Richard D. Mahoney links historical legacies, cultural features, and the relentless dynamics of the illegal drug industry to unravel the enigma. He explores the many key issues running through Colombia's history, distinguishing its national experience, and fueling its unquenchable creativity. With concerns surrounding immigration from the US's southern neighbors mounting to new heights, understanding the history and evolution of Colombia has never been more vital.

Genres: History, Politics

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2020

Reviews

[Mike Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clear and well researched history of Colombia. Dr. Mahoney was personally involved in some of that history, so the writing has a personal and urgent touch.

In terms of the history of Colombia, I wanted to cry through most of the book. Having just come back from Colombia, I am especially proud of Colombians for persevering with such grace and joy. I am appalled at the role the United States played in propagating violence and abusing the neediest parts of Colombian society. You need some strength to get through this book.

[Michael Baroody · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great for what it was, a 190-page overview of almost 5 centuries of Colombian history. Obviously, there were many details that were skimmed over based on the book's short length and the vast period of history it was attempting to cover. I was surprised that the FARC's origins were not discussed more extensively, given the book's emphasis on modern Colombian history.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What else is there but hope for the future?
I learned a lot from this book. It is quick, but a great primer about the title nation's history. I have several questions which I want to follow up on, which is appropriate for a book of this nature: it is an introduction, well-told.

[Psychonaut · Rating 3 out of 5]

a nice little overview of the history if you're planning to visit

[Anuradha Sarup · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew next-to-nothing about Columbia before I started this book. A nice introduction to the country. It's history amazed and shocked me.