Framing a revolution: narrative battles in Colombia's civil war.

Rachel Schmidt's book, "Framing a revolution," explores the discursive battles that have taken place during Colombia's armed conflict. Schmidt analyzes the competing narratives of guerrilla groups, paramilitary groups, deserters, loyalist ex-combatants, and the Colombian government regarding the drivers of the war. The book focuses on three main narratives: victimhood versus perpetration, revolution versus counter-insurgency, and deserters versus loyalists. Schmidt argues that understanding these narratives is crucial for achieving sustainable peace in Colombia. The book also examines the gendered framings of the conflict, particularly the concept of insurgent feminism within the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Additionally, Schmidt explores the intersection between the campesino identity and victimhood framing in Colombia. While the book provides valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge the author's limitations in fully understanding the cultural and social dynamics of Colombia. Overall, the book is a valuable resource for scholars and practitioners interested in the rhetorical dynamics of war and peacebuilding in Colombia. [Extracted from the article]