The South American country's primary geographic challenge is consolidating control over its periphery.

Several attacks have been carried out amid FARC's unilateral cease-fire, indicating that FARC leadership may not completely control the group.

The lucrative profits of the cocaine trade have spurred fierce competition among Mexico's cartels.

Bogota will invest more than $22 billion in improving and expanding the country's road system over the next two years.

Stratfor Latin America analyst Karen Hooper examines the conditions in Colombia ahead of peace talks in Norway between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

Strikes against energy infrastructure have increased dramatically in 2012.

The Agata operations' potential to improve Brazilian military capabilities could have significant strategic ramifications.

Stratfor's Chief Security Officer Fred Burton breaks down video footage of a recent bombing that targeted a former government official in Colombia and discusses how it could have been avoided.

Stratfor Latin America analyst Karen Hooper explains how the April 17 discussions between Colombian President Manuel Santos and U.S. President Barack Obama are evidence of the evolving relationship between the United States and Colombia.

The Colombian government competes with insurgent and criminal groups over control of territory rich in oil, gold, precious stones, and rare earth elements -- as well as marijuana, coca and opium poppies.