Of Centaurs and Doves: Guatemala's Peace Process by Susanne JonasISBN: 0813334683
Publication Date: 2000-03-24
Susanne Jonas assesses the negotiation and content of the 1996 peace accords, and their implementation as of 1999. Jonas describes key moments and turning points in the unpredictable negotiation process, as well as the roles of major actors--not only the Guatemalan government and leftist insurgents, but also the United Nations and Guatemala's Assembly of Civil Society. She also analyzes the accords themselves, with all their strengths and limitations. Her analysis of their implementation since 1997 includes detailed accounts of the major battles, over demilitarization, tax reform, indigenous rights, and constitutional reforms. Moreover, Jonas' analysis of the Guatemalan experience raises a number of broader issues about revolution, negotiation, peacemaking, democratization, and "U.S.interests."