This book examines the state-building process in Colombia specifically in the Pacific Coast
region. Using the regionally isolated and historically neglected Pacific Coast as a case study
the authors analyze the Colombian nation-building and democratic processes applying diverse
methodology and an interdisciplinary focus. The early chapters lay the foundation of the text
through the historical reconstruction of political turmoil in Colombia and the birth of the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and its confrontations with the government
establishment. It then moves to a public choice analysis of public policy and clientelism
within local democracies. The later chapters test the theoretical models using regional
information about governability and election result patterns and discuss a further research
agenda. Grounded in behavioral models with clearly defined agents contingency plans and
outputs this book will be of use to students studying Latin American political science and
public policy as well as researchers interested in state and nation-building and local
governance.
