Work

Homologies and modelling in Colombian South–South security cooperation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article analyses Colombian South–South security cooperation. Drawing upon empirical research findings and by focusing on Colombian security engagements with other Latin American countries in the realm of military transformation, we identify the role of epistemological constructs as key drivers of Colombian South–South security cooperation. We demonstrate that Colombian policy and security actors intentionally created comparability between their own country and its security challenges, and the conditions existing in other countries of the region. This portrayal of idiosyncratic (in)security features as shared attributes across otherwise-different country contexts enables the transfer of security models rooted in Colombia’s expertise and experience. We show how such security-driven homologisation efforts enabled Colombian security practitioners to navigate international hierarchies, particularly unequal US–Colombian relations in their favour, allowing them to secure continued US support and position Colombian security expertise as a blueprint for addressing contemporary security challenges across the region and beyond.

Source: European Journal of International Security

DOI: 10.1017/eis.2025.7

Authors: Markus Hochmüller, Markus-Michael Müller

Institutions: Freie Universität Berlin, Roskilde University

Language: English

Topic: International Relations in Latin America

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Partnerships for the goals

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550