Peru Today. On the Dark Path of War

This is an assessment of the Sendero Luminoso phenomenon, which is recognized as the country's foremost problem. We believe that only through analysis of its main and most recent manifestations can an objective diagnosis of its evolution, dimensions, and prospects be reached. The actions of Sendero Luminoso — and, to a lesser extent, those of the MRTA — remain the foundation upon which political violence in the country develops. In both cases, new processes and trends have also emerged in the most recent period that, given their utmost importance, we analyze in detail and separately in two of the first chapters. The logic and constitutional aspects of the government's approach to this matter are also analyzed, with particular focus on the relevant provisions, viewed as the legal expression of that approach and as the means of adapting the state and society to it. Another topic addressed is the participation of civil society in pacification plans, an element considered by all to be one of the keys to the success of any pacification strategy. (Excerpt from the preface).