To many – the Colombian, U.S. and the EU governments among them – the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) is no more than a terrorist organization. Moreover, they claim that the FARC is only engaged in criminal activities and no longer maintains an ideology. But does this tell the whole story? Is it possible to engage in armed revolutionary struggle in order to achieve political and ideological objectives without perpetrating acts of terrorism? Garry Leech has written the definitive introduction to the FARC, examining the group’s origins, aims and ideology, and looking at its organizational and operational structures. The book also investigates the FARC’s impact on local, regional and global politics and explores its future direction. As someone who reported from the frontline in Colombia for many years and was himself held captive by the FARC, Leech offers an unparalled insight into one of the world’s most high-profile armed revolutionary organizations.