From a longue duree perspective the third Gulf War is examined as the confrontation between tuvo states in a struggle for power. The , nicle utilizes a historical framework to present the conflict between the United States and Iraq, not as a simple exercise of U.S. imperialism, but rather as process with unique dynamics and common interests in the región that build upon the logic of territorial expansión characterizing earlier periods. The author adopts an analytical posture regarding the conflict characterizedby a dual argument in which official versions ofthe war are contrasted with critical ones in order to then analy ze the feasibility ofa democratic order in the región.

gulf war --- regional order --- imperialism --- expansión --- terrorism --- nationalism.

Analyses of Colombia 's internal conflict have focused upon armed actors, the state, the political and economic implications ofthe war, and its international projection, while prívate actors and non-combatants have received scant attention. This article not only refers to the behavior ofthe prívate sector and the ways in which it has been affected by the conflict, but also discusses this sector as a definitive agent of conflict resolution. However, the author also highlights the heterogeneity of both the prívate sector and its reactions to conflict, leading her to discuss the dijficulties of conceptualizing il as a unitary, proactive participant in the construction of peace.

Colombian armed conflict --- prívate actors --- conflict cosí --- new parties of resolution.