Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Antonio Quiñones 
Author-Workplace-Name: University of Calgary
Author-Name: Pablo Policzer 
Author-Workplace-Name: University of Calgary
Title: The Price of Weakness Hydrocarbon Looting and the Erosion of the Colombian State 
Abstract:Colombia’s hydrocarbon sector faces an acute security and governance crisis, characterized
by systemic looting of oil and its derivatives. This crisis is not the result of sporadic criminal
behaviour, but the product of deeply entrenched structural weaknesses in the Colombian state.
These vulnerabilities are embedded within historical patterns of governance designed to uphold
unequal power structures and extractive economic models, rather than to provide inclusive
development or effective territorial control. Instead of being a failed version of a strong state,
Colombia exemplifies what scholars call an exceptionally well-crafted weak state — one that
functions effectively for certain interests while systematically excluding others.
Volume: 18
Issue: 12
Year: 2025
Month: April
File-URL: https://www.policyschool.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/ERG33-PriceofWeakness-Final.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:clh:resear:v:18:y:2025:i:12