In the late 1950s Colombia’s Liberal and Conservative parties formed a coalition to end military government. This essay deals with the coalition’s near defeat in 1970. The near defeat occurred at the end of the most successful and effective government produced by the coalition – that of President Carlos Lleras Restrepo, when his successor, Misael Pastrana Borrero, was almost defeated by archenemy General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla. The coalition had become politically complacent. Traces in some detail the personality of Lleras, the strong points of the Rojistas, and Pastrana’s prospects. The military is a real threat to civilian government in Colombia, and would likely overthrow a civilian government not zealous for land reform. The present government shows no signs of extracting itself from traps resulting from its past compromises, and will most likely be overthrown by the military if the reforms sought by Lleras are not instituted.
