Pandillas and security in Central America

Auteur :
BRUNEAU, T.C.

Description :
This article introduces the topic of pandillas (street gangs) and their implications for security in Central America. Firstly, it explains that in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, political incentives aim to suppress them, even if all observers recognize that this strategy does not work. Secondly, that in seeking to implement international antigang programs, the United States has yet to overcome serious bureaucratic barriers and inertia. While these programs might be useful on the margins, in light of the evidence it seems apparent that they will not have much lasting impact, given the dimensions of the challenge. It concludes that the pandilla problem can possibly be reduced but never eliminated given the region’s violent history, ingrained official corruption, and chronic poverty.


Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Latin American research review, issn : 0023-8791, 2014, vol. 49, n°. 2, p. 152-172, nombre de pages : 21

Date :
2014

Editeur :
Pays édition : Etats-Unis, Pittsburgh, PA, Latin American Studies Association