The Phenomena of Political Violence and Terror

It is important to review some concepts related to the phenomenon of political violence, other related phenomena, and their impact on the social order, to provide a framework and theoretical criteria to guide this and other studies, and to interpret research findings. The majority of human rights violations in Latin America in general, and in Guatemala specifically, must be understood in the context of these phenomena. Thus, it is important to take into account theoretical contributions from other countries, especially the Southern Cone and Central America, which developed out of the experiences of terror in both regions, particularly between 1970 and 1983.

Table of Contents