Security Diplomacy in Colombia’s Strategic Positioning in the Field of Regional Peace and Security: Reflections from the Concept of Defense Diplomacy

Abstract

This paper intends to conceptually and analytically explore the so-called security diplomacy, briefly described as the Colombian state’s new model of external relations to become a leading actor in the fields of security and defense regionally and even globally. To this end, the concept of defense diplomacy is comprehensively approached to identify elements that allow inquiring into the fundamentals of security diplomacy. Then, in the light of these elements, the aims and scope of the Colombian policy in this regard are thoroughly examined, showing some advances in this insertion strategy. Finally, and as a conclusion, the article reflects on the implications of security diplomacy for the country’s strategic positioning from the synergy between the conceptual and operational elements of such policy.