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Trust of demobilized combatants: Overcoming fear or becoming familiar?

Author

Listed:
  • James Meernik
  • Diego Esparza
  • Gustavo Duncan
  • Clarita Toro
  • Juan Camilo Gaviria

Abstract

Background One critical challenge facing postconflict societies concerns the reintegration of former combatants as productive members of society. Public trust in the legitimacy of a peace agreement is a critical component of rebuilding the economic and social foundations of a war‐torn nation. Objectives We argue that the levels of trust of former combatants and confidence in their effective demobilization depend on two critical features of the postconflict environment: fears of insecurity and community engagement. Method We focus our analysis on Colombia and utilize data from the Latin American Public Opinion Project to create a multivariate time‐series analysis of public trust in two groups—leftist rebels and rightist paramilitaries. Results We find that both the fear of former combatants and the level of engagement individuals have in their communities help predict respondent attitudes about trust in former combatants and reintegration. Conclusion Fear and familiarity are key determinants in reintegration of former combatants.

Suggested Citation

  • James Meernik & Diego Esparza & Gustavo Duncan & Clarita Toro & Juan Camilo Gaviria, 2023. "Trust of demobilized combatants: Overcoming fear or becoming familiar?," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 104(3), pages 315-328, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:104:y:2023:i:3:p:315-328
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.13249
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Juan Fernando Tellez, 2019. "Peace agreement design and public support for peace: Evidence from Colombia," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 56(6), pages 827-844, November.
    2. James L. Gibson, 2004. "Does Truth Lead to Reconciliation? Testing the Causal Assumptions of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Process," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 48(2), pages 201-217, April.
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