Vol. 26, No. 4 (1999)

On the cusp of the 21st century, the long shadows of state terrorism still haunt Latin America. For millions of people in the region, the memory of predator states that turned on their own citizens persists; for some, as in Colombia today, political violence and state terrorism remain a reality. Hundreds of thousands lost their lives in Cold War-era dirty wars -- 200,000 in Guatemala alone -- and tens of thousands more suffered barbaric tortures, disappearance, and other forms of state terror. Yet most of the architects and agents of these crimes walk free today; many remain in positions of power.

State terrorism and impunity are integrally linked. Impunity means freedom from accountability or punishment for state crimes or abuses of power. Without impunity would begin to lose their capacity to shape behavior; its organizational structures and tactics would become vulnerable. Impunity is a cornerstone of the state's coercive machinery. Even after transitions from military rule, agents or organizations of the state's repressive apparatus, armored by impunity, can limit democratic dissent and political opposition by maintaining a frightening presence in state and society. Impunity is key for the maintenance of political and social control by the powerful.

This issue of Social Justice assembles the reflections and analyses of distinguished Latin Americans who lived through recent military dictatorships and who have grappled with their consequences. By listening to their voices, readers will understand state terrorism and impunity in new ways.