Antinarcotics Strategies and U.S. -- Latin American Relations (From Latin American Narcotics Trade and U.S. National Security, P 139-150, 1989, Donald J Mabry, ed. -- See NCJ-127031)

• NCJ Number: 127041
• Author(s): G F Treverton
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: Greenwood Publishing Group
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of the role of diplomacy related to drug policy in the context of United States and Latin American foreign policy and national security concerns emphasizes the differences in American and Latin American perspectives on the problem and recommends that the United States reevaluate its current policies.

Abstract

The social consequences of drug abuse are the main focus in the United States, while drug-related crime and corruption are the greatest problems in Latin American countries. Those making future policy should recognize that law enforcement efforts will have little effect on narcotics supplies in the United States. Therefore, the emphasis in United States antidrug strategies should shift toward demand reduction. The politics of the American "war on drugs" makes a major shift unlikely, although recent policy is placing greater emphasis on demand. Although much of the pressure the United States now puts on Latin America regarding enforcement and supply reduction is unnecessary and even counterproductive, the pressure is likely to continue. Thus, efforts are recommended to evaluate and possibly revise current policies and to recognize that Latin America experiences most of the violence and corruption resulting from these policies.