Analysis of relationships between presidential leadership styles and peace policies in Colombia (1982–2017).

Abstract

The purpose of is article is to examine the relationship between presidents' leadership styles and peace policies in the Colombian armed conflict. To do so, this study analyzes the peace policies and styles of Colombia's presidents from 1982 to 2017. The structure of this article is as follows: an examination of the literature on leadership styles and peace policies in turbulent conflicts and a definition of the theoretical framework; a review of the historical-biographical context; a description of the methodology, specifically an explanation of the content analysis employed to measure leadership styles; an analysis of the peace policies adopted in Colombia and conditions related to the personality of the political leaders that might explain them; and the conclusions. It will be argued that the adoption of those peace policies that resulted in the demobilization of insurgent groups in Colombia depended not only on structural, situational, and organizational factors but also on factors related to the personality of political leaders. Public Significance StatementThis article argues that the adoption of the peace policies that resulted in the demobilization of insurgent groups in Colombia depended not only on structural, situational, or organizational factors, but also on factors related to the personality of the presidential leaders. Analysis of discourses by political leaders can offer valuable information about the opportunities and disadvantages of such decisions made to solve conflicts.