This is a brilliant and entertaining study of rural Colombia, showing how invisible social networks actually work to spark political action, often suddenly and surprisingly. It combines poetic ethnographic observation with high-level theories of political action.

James M. Jasper, author of The Art of Moral Protest

Situated at the crossroad of social movement scholarship and Latin American Studies, a peak moment of political contention in Colombia's recent history is told with the accuracy of a social scientist, the vivid descriptions of an intrepid ethnographer and the empathy of a native son.

Gilda Zwerman, SUNY-Old Westbury

Esparza's lively comparative study of Colombian social movements will fascinate readers interested in the possibilities for and efficacy of collective action in repressive political contexts. Among other findings, Esparza demonstrates how feelings of humiliation can produce rebellion as much as quiescence.

Jeff Goodwin, New York University