Demobilization: From Combatant to Citizen.
The acquired expertise of large scale intergovernmental organisations concerning conflict resolution has become more sophisticated in terms of the peace adaptation process immediately following the mediation phase. The peace adaptation process is now less encumbered by the meddling of outside actors. Humanitarian and military actions of “demobilization” are principally governed by the goal of reintegrating former combatants into civil life. This form of socialisation, which seeks to promote a more peaceful lifestyle, must follow a path in which the “guerrilero” must psychologically and physically gain control of his own self, if he is to become a citizen once more. The study of the demobilized body as defined as a body that suits the needs of peace may reveal forms of power related to peacemaking. This form of “biopower” as enforced by an international community during the 1997 demobilization in Guatemala subsequently caused reintegration problems to “demobilized guerrileros” as this new category and what it meant was completely absent from the Guatemalan mindset.