Jane Bridwell Josiah Gilliam Asami Kunimoto Adriana Santamaría.

Jane BridwellJosiah Gilliam

Asami KunimotoAdriana Santamaría

Historical Context

Samper and narco-traffickers

Colombia as failed state

“Tough on drugs” message in both 1996 elections

Formation of Plan Colombia

Original 1998 version more focused on peace process

U.S. pushed for military involvement and a broader strategy

1999 final version 1999 final version – Plan for Peace, Prosperity, and Strengthening of the State: $7.5 billion six-year strategy combat narco-terrorism, spur economic recovery, strengthen democratic institutions and respect for human rights, and provide humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons

U.S. Involvement

Defined as: fight the illicit drug trade, to increase the rule of law, to protect human rights, to expand economic development, to institute judicial reform, and to foster peace

Clinton pledged $1.6 billion in 2000

Colombian Operation

Plan Patriota, a Colombian military campaign Demobilization of the

AUC and FARC War on drugs

A Presidential Program Against Illicit Crops

Alternative Development to provide a legal alternative to the eradicated crops

Neo-liberal reforms involved in the FTA

U.S. Operations

U.S. aid to Colombia: US$ 6,495 million (1998-2008)

Fumigation and military training The participation of private

armies and security companies: DynCorp, Triple Canopy, and Blackwater USA

The U.S. Agency for International Development Programs to modernize

the criminal justice system, promote human rights, strengthen local government, and increase transparency

Mutual Operation

Aerial eradication of coca and poppy crops Reduction of coca and

opium puppy cultivation

The possible environmental and health effects of the use of fumigant 

The Air Bridge Denial (ABD) program A joint U.S.- Colombian

aerial interdiction Destruction of

aircrafts and seizure of cocaine

Objectives

United States perspective

Prevent the flow of illegal drugs into the United States

Help Colombia promote peace and economic development regional security in the Andes

Colombian perspective

Promote peace and economic development, and increase security

Addressing drug trafficking as key aspect

Change in Objectives

Under President Uribe…Tougher approach to the

illegally armed groups (IAG)

NO negotiation with any of the armed groups

New laws Increased security forces power

Guerrillas = drug traffickers & terrorists

Plan Patriota

Change in Objectives

U.S. policy has also changed…

From a strictly counternarcotics focus to support for Colombia’s fight against IAGs

Funds for a unified campaign against drug trafficking and terrorist organizations

Plan Colombia’s Uncertain Future

Research study: U.S. aid to Colombia increases = paramilitary attacks in areas with Army bases

Approx. $7 billion: has not exactly been well-spent

Decline in anti-narcotic operations

High drug demand in the U.S. makes it difficult to eradicate production at home…and NO impact on coca production

Plan Colombia’s Uncertain Future

Improved security, but it has not reduced drug production in the region

Balloon effect

No mention of Plan Colombia in President Obama's 2011 budget proposal to Congress

Proposed cuts of $55.5M

Institutions strengthened: funding cuts foreseeable

Shift in U.S. policy

Venezuela’s Recent Reactions

Venezuela has expressed concerns with the breadth of cooperation between the United States and Colombia

Cross-border raid to kill FARC commander in 2008 increased tensions

The United States has repeatedly said that their role is only to support the Colombian troops’ domestic goals

However, documents were released the detailed the potential use of 7 different Colombian military bases

Chavez’s Remarks

Chaves spoke out harshly against the raid and intensified rhetoric.

“Let’s prepare for war and help the people prepare themselves for war, because it’s everyone’s responsibility.”

He frames debate in terms of United States aggression

Involvement of UNESUR

The major powers in UNESUR have shared concerns over Plan Colombia

The Presidents of both Argentina and Brazil released a joint statement expressing their extreme displeasure.

Additionally, they regard heightened American presence in military bases in Colombia to be a challenge to the sovereignty of Latin American states