Explaining Recidivism of Ex-combatants in Colombia

Bibliographic Data

ID6284413
AuthorsOliver Kaplan (University of Denver, corresponding author), Enzo Nussio (0000-0001-5671-5839, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland)
Year2018
Volume62
Issue1
Pages64-93
Publication date2018-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Conflict Resolution (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-0027 • E-ISSN: 1552-8766
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0022002716644326
OpenAlexW3123421673
LanguageEN
Citations received66
References cited33

What determines the recidivism of ex-combatants from armed conflicts? In postconflict settings around the world, there has been growing interest in reintegration programs to prevent ex-combatants from returning to illegal activities or to armed groups, yet little is known about who decides to “go bad.” We evaluate explanations for recidivism related to combatant experiences and common criminal motives by combining data from a representative survey of ex-combatants of various armed groups in Colombia with police records of observed behaviors that indicate which among the respondents returned to belligerent or illegal activities. Consistent with a theory of recidivism being shaped by driving and restraining factors, the results suggest that factors such as antisocial personality traits, weak family ties, lack of educational attainment, and the presence of criminal groups are most highly correlated with various kinds of recidivism and hold implications for programs and policies to successfully reintegrate ex-combatants into society

Armed conflict · Belligerent · Combatant · Criminology · Political science · Recidivism · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis · Law · Psychology · Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence

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