Sendero Luminoso and the Threat of Narcoterrorism

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Sendero Luminoso or the Shining Path ranks among the most elusive, secretive, and brutal guerrilla organizations in the world. Once a radical uprising limited to the Andean highlands of Ayacucho, it is now a movement of national proportions that has woven itself into the fabric of Peruvian society. Unlike many other terrorists groups, Sendero Luminoso is founded upon an intellectual infrastructure crafted by the now legendary Abimael Guzman, a former philosophy professor. The body of the movement, however, is drawn from Peru's long-neglected Indian and mestizo populations. Peru's already fragile democracy is further weakened as the rural and urban underclasses become attached to Sendero Luminoso ideologically and emotionally. This book provides a comprehensive overview of this guerrilla organization and the Peruvian government's dilemma in dealing with it and the emergence of narcoterrorism, a mutually beneficial relationship between the cocaine syndicate and Sendero Luminoso. The Peruvian cocaine syndicate and Sendero Luminoso have different objectives and ideologies, but share a mutual enemy--the Peruvian government and its armed services. Hence they have combined forces to form a powerful and destructive alliance. Gabriela Tarazona-Sevillano assesses the impact of the Sendero Luminoso on Peruvian society, a new democratic government already besieged by complex and far-reaching problems. The book presents a detailed understanding of the peculiar and very personal nature of Peru's affliction as well as its possible international repercussions.

Reviews

"Brutal, merciless, and cunning, Sendero Luminoso is a witches' brew of Leninism, racism, and narcotraffic that threatens to tear Peru apart. The outcome of the struggle will affect Peru's neighbors, both near and far, and cannot be ignored. Tarazona-Sevillano has produced a valuable study that merits close attention and a response keyed to the analysis she presents."-Robert C. Helander Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue
"With the growing economic crisis and political instability in Peru, this up-to-date study on Sendero Luminoso terrorism is must reading for Washington decision makers and media specialists. A sober and, one hopes, still timely warning is carried in this thorough analysis of Peru's most dangerous guerrilla movement."-David C. Jordan Former U.S. Ambassador to Peru
This is the first and, thus far, the only book-length study of the Peruvian guerrillas known as the Sendero Luminoso (the Shining Path). The Sendero rebels have been responsible for numerous terrorist acts, the deaths of hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of civilians and officials, and have not only set up their own protected narcotics domain in the country, but have threatened the very existence of the Peruvian government. This account by a Peruvian lawyer and former assistant prosecutor intimately acquainted with the workings of the Sendero offers a dispassionate description of the background, ideology and goals, strategy, and organization of the group, as well the government's counterguerrilla and counterterrorism responses. A final, and fascinating, chapter examines the Sendero's coca economy in the upper Huallaga Valley, its ties to international narcotics networks, and the extent and effects of "narcoterrorism" on Peru and the region. Tarazona-Sevillano offers little comfort to those hoping for civil peace in Peru; she documents both the government's ineffectiveness in dealing with the Sendero, and the group's ruthless, bloody search for power and profits. An excellent and disquieting book. Recommended for college and university libraries at all levels.-Choice
"This is the first and, thus far, the only book-length study of the Peruvian guerrillas known as the Sendero Luminoso (the Shining Path). The Sendero rebels have been responsible for numerous terrorist acts, the deaths of hundreds (perhaps even thousands) of civilians and officials, and have not only set up their own protected narcotics domain in the country, but have threatened the very existence of the Peruvian government. This account by a Peruvian lawyer and former assistant prosecutor intimately acquainted with the workings of the Sendero offers a dispassionate description of the background, ideology and goals, strategy, and organization of the group, as well the government's counterguerrilla and counterterrorism responses. A final, and fascinating, chapter examines the Sendero's coca economy in the upper Huallaga Valley, its ties to international narcotics networks, and the extent and effects of "narcoterrorism" on Peru and the region. Tarazona-Sevillano offers little comfort to those hoping for civil peace in Peru; she documents both the government's ineffectiveness in dealing with the Sendero, and the group's ruthless, bloody search for power and profits. An excellent and disquieting book. Recommended for college and university libraries at all levels."-Choice

Author Bio

GABRIELA TARAZONA-SEVILLANO has been a Visiting Professor of International Studies at Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina. Her articles have appeared in such publications as the Atlanta Constitution and the Christian Science Monitor.