Interviewed by Kellogg Doctoral Student Affiliate Isabel Güiza-Gómez, political scientist Juan Albarracín (University of Illinois, Chicago) discusses lethal violence against grassroots leaders in Colombia after the signing of the 2016 peace agreement, which raises questions on the prospects for democracy, peace-building, and development in transitioning contexts. He provides us with an overview of the local trajectories and determinants of large-scale assassinations of grassroots leaders, who mobilize for peace, political inclusion, and economic redistribution in post-accord Colombia.