The final report synthesizes the lesson learned from 10 weeks of study on campus and two weeks of travel in Colombia and provides relevant background, analysis, and actionable recommendations for the U.S. around the primary research question of the role, if any, of the United States.

Every Colombian we met on our trip has bought into the mission of transitioning their country away from its war-torn past. For our take on the mechanics of that transition, and the US role in its facilitation, take a look at our memo which will be posted to the Center library in January.

Students spend their final weekend of the trip at a finca near Salento, a town in the mountains known for coffee estates, dramatic palm trees, and rare parrots. The finca is beautiful, with a dramatic infinity pool, hammocks overlooking fields of banana trees, and lots of fresh fruit.

We embarked on our journey to Salento, an area known for coffee production. Over the course of the ten hours students had an unprecedented opportunity to see firsthand the value of and need for road development in Colombia, a testament to Dartmouth’s dedication to experiential learning....

As the central utility company of Colombia, Grupo-EMP is both a private entity and an extension of the state due to its crucial role in providing access to public services for Colombians. The company is at the forefront of development and sustainability with a business model that includes corporate social responsibility policies.

Nestled into a valley, Medellin has constructed a complex transportation network of trams, metros, and cable cars to link the city to surrounding barrios.

In Medellin, students look at the big picture—the social, political, and cultural transformations of the city over time—and how all of this relates to the peace process....

PBPL 85 students at the San Jose del Oriente Espacios Territoriales de Capacitacion Reincorporation (ECTR) with views of the Colombian-Venezuelan border region in one direction and the Sierra Nevada range in the other direction.

Students traveled to Pondores, which is one of the largest ECTRs, or reintegration camps, in Colombia. The class was there to see the realities of the FARC during the 53-year long conflict and their daily lives.

Class participants have now spoken with intellectuals, businessmen, journalists, and policymakers in Colombia who have shared many perspectives and provided first-hand accounts of the complexity of the peace process in Colombia.