U.S. Policy and Rising Tensions in latin America: A Focus on the “War on Drugs“
Recent events are fueling concerns about escalating U.S. involvement in Latin America, especially regarding Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. These concerns stem from increased military presence, accusations of drug trafficking, and a perceived pattern of targeting certain governments while overlooking others.
The situation began with U.S. actions ostensibly aimed at Venezuelan drug traffickers. Though, these actions have impacted citizens of neighboring Colombia and Ecuador, raising questions about the scope and intent of the U.S. approach.Adding to the anxieties is the deployment of 10,000 American soldiers to Puerto Rico, framed as planning for potential action in the region.
Dr. Manuel Rozental,a former foreign minister,argues that the “war on drugs” narrative serves as a pretext for broader U.S. policy objectives. He points to the critically important profit margins inherent in the illegal drug trade – a kilogram of coca costing $3,000 in Colombia but reaching $20,000 in the U.S. and $150,000 in Europe, according to U.N. reports – suggesting a system that benefits from the drug trade’s illegality.
Rozental contends that the “war on drugs” isn’t failing by accident, but rather is succeeding in its underlying purpose: addressing economic crises in the U.S. and globally. He suggests it functions by eliminating perceived “excess” population and capital, and securing access to resources like oil, through targeted interventions in specific territories.
He further highlights a perceived double standard in U.S. enforcement, questioning why the Noboa family in Ecuador, with its ties to banana plantations and alleged involvement in drug trafficking, remains largely untouched, while Colombian President Petro – who advocates for exchanging drug production for improved living conditions for farmers – is being targeted. Rozental argues that trade policies imposing tariffs on legal products can inadvertently push people into the drug trade, leading to further conflict.
this perspective suggests that the U.S. approach to the drug trade isn’t solely about eradication, but is intertwined with broader economic and geopolitical considerations, contributing to rising tensions throughout the Caribbean region.
