In spite of what the title might imply, this work is not a conceptually unified analysis of either Colombian history or current events. It is, rather, an assortment of loosely related political commentaries delivered by the author in various formats between 1968 and 1977. The anthology is composed of a proposed amendment to the constitution, three speeches made during legislative debates in congress, two addresses to delegates of the United Nations, two public speeches, and two newspaper articles. Collectively these pieces give a broad sketch of the ideological stance of a figure prominent in recent Colombian politics.
What emerges from these particular offerings is the portrait of what might be called a progressive or dynamic Conservative. Roberto Gerlein Echeverría clearly identifies himself with the tradition of Colombian Conservatism, nationally, and with the region of the Atlantic Coast, locally. He consistently endorses popular representation in the electoral process, active participation in political parties, decentralization of administrative authority, professionalization of public appointees, careful economic planning, and redistribution of government revenues to accomplish more rapid development of badly needed public services. In foreign affairs, he is an aggressive spokesman for the so-called Group of 77 developing nations (which includes Colombia). He insists upon major changes in the international monetary system and a reorientation of world trade patterns to enhance the status of, and to promote the development of, those countries dependent overwhelmingly on the production of primary products.
There is no contextual background or justification for the selections included, but the work is surprisingly effective in stimulating interest in the overall career of one whom the introduction tells us has already been a member of the House of Representatives, vice-president of the Senate, and governor of the Department of Atlántico.
