The project that started this book consisted of four phases: A briefing to the Director of the Joint Staff; a study of possible scenarios for Colombia's future; a workshop directed at recommending specific solutions to Colombia's security problems to both the U.S. and Colombian military leaders; and this book. Fortunately, this project coincided with the rise of a new optimism in Colombia that a peace process through negotiations was the best route to a solution, giving the participants ample material for analysis and thought.