A few weeks ago, citizens went to the polls to decide which local authorities will govern their territory. After the end of the process, the winning political groups start looking at the next election races, in which the Presidency of the Republic and decision-making positions in the legislative branch will be contested. In this context, extreme positions continue and violent activism is evident.

Although dissent is typical of politics—since it cannot be claimed to be an absolute coincidence—if it leads to violence, it is dangerous for social functioning. Political exercise must solve social problems, not increase them, as it seems today.

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In 1996, the United Nations identified the characteristics of premeditated violent actions and classified them as terrorists; Three aspects can be identified in his conceptualization: first, these are actions aimed at sowing terror; second, they put political purposes at their center; Third, they justify their actions with ideology.

Social protest and civil disobedience are legitimate elements of democracy and arise when its representatives are unable to discuss proposals in democratic wings (parliaments). When the state is unable to dialogue with those who protest, parallel forces emerge that dominate the territory.

Political exercise must solve social problems, not increase them, as it seems today.

With violent action, many fragile areas of the popular economy fall defenseless; So people who depend on activities such as selling products, services and ventures see their incomes decrease. Tourism, education and other areas are losing huge resources. Small entrepreneurs are faced with the impossibility of planning long-term actions, because in unstable environments it is difficult to invest, commit or undertake.

A short time ago, Colombia had violent conflicts and various researches were determined to find out how to pacify the territories. Most of them conclude on the need to develop knowledge and strengthen political competence among the new generations. But the question is not so simple, because new generations need references that embody these skills.

Various studies show that even children under the age of 7 yearn to participate in solving problems that affect them; However, as the years pass, the desire is clouded by the realization that social spaces are not transparent, but that they are dominated by a few who only go for their petty interests. As a result of this situation, the desire to participate disappears, and mistrust and suspicion contribute to the strengthening of individualism, “everyone for himself and for himself”. The perception that societies have fair agreements enables social fusion and gives life to a coexistence pact. When said pact falters, political representatives are expected to use their powers to rebuild the social fabric. However, verifying that these representatives thrive on political power and seek only their own personal gain ends up destroying current and future hopes and leads to social debacle. (OR)