This book contributes to a better understanding of governmental attempts to manage violence, a particularly sensitive phenomenon affecting contemporary societies. At the same time, it gives a feel for life and governance in urban Colombia. At the outset of the 21st century, the Colombian capital shifted from a city frequently described as one of the most violent places in Latin America, to a city increasingly seen as an exemplary case of violence reduction for other cities in the region. This book inquires into such a historic transformation. It, navigates through various settings including academic circles, municipal offices, multilateral agencies and daily urban scenes. In doing so, it renders the Colombian capital as the locale for processes of creating, adopting, and circulating a model of intervention for reducing violence. It sheds light on local and extra-local dynamics that rest behind the recent metamorphosis of the Colombian capital. Gorgeous Monster is directed towards scholars in Latin American Studies, Cultural Studies, Urban Studies, and Anthropology. It is particularly appealing to those engaged in ongoing debates about ethnography. It is also addressed to those interested in contemporary Colombia, violence management, and urban governance, as well as to anybody engaged in policy-making.

Vacant urban land--the product of land market activity, the actions of private agents, and the policies of public agents--is an important challenge for policy makers. Vacant lots on the urban fringe and in central and interstitial areas have affected growth patterns in Latin America. Contributors to this book analyze the problems and opportunities related to vacant urban land in five cities: Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Quito, Ecuador; Lima, Perú; and San Salvador, El Salvador.