While officially a free market democracy, Colombia’s state system and economy are rigged by “clans” that are largely above the law. These clans’ ability to almost usurp the country’s democracy and economy most recently became evident by detailed allegations by fugitive politician Aida Merlano, a former member of the Gerlein Clan. Merlano’s account of how, … Continue reading The ‘clans’: the criminal forces rigging Colombia’s economy and democracy