The Uncertain Future of Shining Path
What will happen to Sendero Luminoso now that its philosopher-king has been captured? From an operational standpoint, both the strength and the greatest vulnerability of Sendero Luminoso resided and still reside in the concentration of leadership in Guzmán. Unlike other orthodox communist parties, where the cult of personality developed after taking power, in Sendero Luminoso the adoration of Guzmán arose in the years prior to the start of its armed uprising, and acquired extravagant dimensions during the years of the war.