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‘Ser Eleno’: Insurgent identity formation in the ELN

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  • Barbara Gruber
  • Jan Pospisil

Abstract

In conflict studies, identity has been posited as an explanatory factor of the resilience of insurgencies. This article focuses on the identity formation of the National Liberation Army (ELN), a leftist insurgency group in Colombia. As a Marxist–Leninist organisation, the ELN aims to overcome capitalism. In their perception, this is possible via the transformation of the individual into a ‘collective personality’. Along the dimensions of ‘content’ and ‘contestation’, we will demonstrate the mechanisms they impose for such identity formation. Identity, as we will argue, is a main factor in explaining why people participate in this insurgency and thereby enhance its resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Barbara Gruber & Jan Pospisil, 2015. "‘Ser Eleno’: Insurgent identity formation in the ELN," Small Wars and Insurgencies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(2), pages 226-247, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:fswixx:v:26:y:2015:i:2:p:226-247
    DOI: 10.1080/09592318.2015.1007562
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