...United States Drug Policy on Mexico and Colombia Drugs are not new to this Earth. Mankind has grown and consumed drugs for millennia. Marijuana, or more appropriately Cannabis, is indigenous to Central and South Asia, and has been consumed widely since 3000 B.C.E. (ElSohly 8). In more recent times (1938), Albert Hoffman synthesized Lysergic acid diethylamide, more commonly known as LSD, while searching for treatments for psychiatric diseases (Hoffman). Initially, many drugs were used in religious/spiritual functions. In several instances, the strong fibers of the Cannabis plant were used for building, much like jute, and the narcotic aspects of the plants were not even explored (ElSohly 8). However, today, drugs are frequently used recreationally, and as a result are highly profitable commodities. It is common knowledge that across the world, the vast majority of drugs are illegal or are restricted in some way. Almost nightly, proponents for the legalization of drugs, decriminalization of certain drugs, and the continued ban on drugs debate their positions through the media. This debate is a hot button issue that is almost entirely centered upon the views and policies of the world’s largest drug consumer, the United States of America (CIA Factbook). Governments and the media very often focus on drug consumption trends and drug flow into the United States, while largely ignoring Latin American perspectives and impacts on Latin America. Though drug production and drug use are major...
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...Core 8 [FOreign Policy in latin America](Paper taken to writing clinic: hannah) | | Every country’s foreign policy consists of self-interest strategies chosen by the state to safeguard its national interests and to achieve its goals within international relations. Its goal is to interact with other countries and non-state actors. Foreign policies are designed by the government through high-level decision making processes. The US has been involved in foreign affairs with Latin America for some time now. How are the US and Latin America with Foreign Affairs? Are Latin Americans’ Intellectual Properties being robbed? Are Latin American countries being restored and growing? There are many other questions to ask regarding the foreign policy issues concerning Latin America. One huge problem with Foreign Affairs/Policies is the Drug Trafficking from Latin America into the United States. Cuba is not necessarily a drug producing country but it is a transit one. In 1998 nearly 7.2 metric tons of cocaine were seized in Colombia on its way to Cuba. Also, there was a 50% increase in drug over flight, which includes people carrying drugs as mules on planes and the dropping of drugs into American water from Cuban planes heading to the States (House Government Reform Committee) Castro had once said that he did not want the United States interfering with Cuban drug relations. Most American government officials believed him to be the main cause of drug transportation in and...
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...Prof. Imogene Lim GLST 490 9th December, 2014 The Mexican Dream: Drug Cartels The American dream, a dream that does not come true for every man or woman that is in search of it. According to Ellies, the American dream represent: “each person has the right to pursue happiness, and the freedom to strive for a better life through hard work and fair ambition.” But, would not that same dream be the dream for Germans, French, Spanish, Brazilians and every single country in the world? The truth is that according to the level of access a person has in order to pursue happiness and to strive for a better life has been indisputably the gap among developed and undeveloped countries for decades. However, hard work does not seem to be the key factor to achieve happiness and/or a better life. Then, what does? During the beginning of the 1980’s decade, Mexico among other Latin-American countries started to adopt Structural Adjustment Programs (SAP) sponsored by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) in response to the neo-liberal ideology that was starting to spread around the world as the avenue for global well-being. The World Health Organization states that Structural Adjustment Programs: “were economic policies for developing countries that have been promoted by the WB and IMF since the early 1980s by the provision of loans conditional on the adoption of such policies.” The economic policies promoted by the IMF and WB were meant to encourage the structural adjustment...
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...France Latin America India Japan Analyzing Markets – Strong presence 2 US UK & Netherlands • World’s largest generic market • Major drugs set to loose patent protection over the medium term • Systematic erosion of generic prices • Tightening market as more companies competing for exclusivities • “Pharmacists” driven market • 49% generic penetration • 75% of Teva’s revenues from Europe Latin America • Strong presence after Ivax acquisition • Emerging market with high growth potential • Favorable government policies Analyzing Markets – Lacking Foothold 3 Japan India Germany & France • 3rd largest pharmaceutical market - heavily regulated • Generics penetration 10% - expected to increase with ageing population • Entry barrier - perception of generics to be of inferior quality • • • • Govt. policies to provide higher quality care Budgetary constraints – preference for low cost drugs Emergence of middle class Low labor costs • High growth potential – 50% of Teva’s European revenues • “Physician driven” or “branded generics” market • High cost of sales and marketing activities • Government regulated pricing Markets to Focus!! US – Acquisitions of firms focusing on bio-similar Latin America – organic growth India – Acquisitions of low cost generic producers UK & Netherlands International Markets • Pharma Market CGR (2000 - 2005) 14.00% 12.00% 10.00% 8.00% 6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 0.00% Europe Japan East Asia & China Latin America 5 ...
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...1) What countries are involved in the drug trade of the Americas? How does each country contribute to the trade? According to the Drug Policy Alliance, “the Andean countries of Colombia, Peru and Bolivia are the world’s main cocaine producers, while Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean have become the principal corridors for transporting drugs into the United States and Europe.” Colombia is the country that exports the most cocaine, Peru and Bolivia being the second and third, and Mexico is mostly responsible for drugs entering the United States (Smith). Reportedly, “ninety percent of the cocaine that enters the U.S. transits through Mexico.” (CNN) 2) Provide some statistics surrounding death tolls in Latin America due to the activity of Drug Cartels. How do these statistics measure up to other world events attributed to high death tolls? In Venezuela 75% of murders are cartel or gang related (Mennem). Meanwhile, in El Salvador, there is an average of 16 murders a day (Mennem). These statistics are alarmingly high, and can easily be compared to the fight against terrorism and the war in Iraq. According to a recent UN report, nearly “9,000 civilians have been killed and...
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...Latin America is more than just an exotic travel destination for Americans or any travelers from around the world for that matter. Though Latin America is filled with several breath-taking wonders of the world; including their crystal clear waters and beautiful sandy white beaches, tropical rain forests, and ancient historical landmarks. Latin America’s tranquil atmosphere should not be underestimated as the little more than underdeveloped sibling. After examining the history, politics, and economic stand point of the countries in Latin America, they have many similarities with the United States and several differences that should be taken into consideration when dealing with United States foreign policy with Latin American countries. What is Latin America? Where is Latin America? What countries are considered to be a part of Latin American? These are the initial questions a person thinks about when Latin America comes into a discussion. Around the world people will have their own ideas and stereotypes about Latin America, but here are the facts. The term Latin America is used to describe the countries in the sub regions of the Americas that were once the old colonies of European nations. The reference to Latin corresponds to the fact that as product of the colonization from the European nations the languages now spoken in these countries are Latin based. The languages spoken are derived from the so called “Romance tongues” of Spain, Portugal, and France. Latin America...
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...The international drug trade from Latin American states is having an impact on a global scale. The trafficking of drugs along with corruptness and murder is an international conflict that is being fought daily. There are many aspects of the drug war from Mexico and other Latin American states which have effects on United States policy as well as policies from other countries that participate in the global suppression of illegal drugs. It can be hard to differentiate between conflict and issue in regards to Latin America’s drug war and International Relations. The Mexican drug war is a global issue because it interferes with the states ability to collaborate and form policy in order to address the issues between international borders. Conflict arises because certain states want to resolve the situation and are willing to do what is necessary to do so. While drug-related violence in Mexico receives considerable attention, the Northern Triangle of Latin America is far worse. Venezuela has emerged as a major departure point for cocaine trafficked to Europe. Between 2006 and 2008 over half of all detected maritime shipments of cocaine to Europe came from Venezuela. (Crime 2010) These ports in Latin America have had an impact on the cities in the Bahamas as well with the drug cartels exporting their drugs quicker to the surrounding countries; they use the ports of the Caribbean to refuel while on the way to America. The waters of the Caribbean islands are patrolled by navies from...
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...West Africa has heated up as a hot spot for Transnational Organized Crime groups. This region is being used as a major transit route for illegal drugs being transported to Europe and United States. This is heroin’s many route west and methamphetamine’s route toward Asia. “TOC exacerbates corruption and undermines the rule of law, democratic processes, and transparent business practices in several African states that already suffer from weak institutions.” (n.d.). This is giving the Transnational Organized Crime groups the ability to operate in West Africa. Corruption, open borders, location, and weak law enforcement allows these areas to become narco-states. For example, Guinea-Bissau is very close to being unable to combat these organizations....
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...Track The perspectives I have of Latin America were developed over 18 years of immersion as a local. Social awareness, familiarity of speech, understanding of issues that matter in the region vs. issues important outside of the region are second nature to me. I was born and raised in Colombia, and finished high school in Panama. The political environment of Colombia and Panama shaped my cultural awareness and political understanding of these two countries’ overall climate as well as neighboring countries in the region. My understanding of Latin America is complemented by 23 years in the United States, including 21 years of service as a Marine. The Marine Corps has a culture all its own, which I understand well through 7 years of enlisted and 14 years of commissioned service. My first-hand exposure and experience in foreign countries have left a continuing personal interest in following social and political events in Panama, Colombia, and Latin America as a whole. I follow significant events pertinent to the region. Many have impacted the economy and security of the United States as well. The transition of operations and management of the Panama Canal to Panama in December 1999, and current efforts by President Santos against the FARC are among them. The transition of the Panama Canal and its surrounding territories marked a historical event for Panama and the U.S. Panama’s political position strengthened in relation to its Latin American neighbors by assuming responsibility...
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...Essay The perspectives I have of Latin America were developed over 18 years of immersion as a local. Social awareness, familiarity of speech, understanding of issues that matter in the region vs. issues important outside of the region are second nature to me. I was born and raised in Colombia, and finished high school in Panama. The political environment of Colombia and Panama shaped my cultural awareness and political understanding of these two countries’ overall climate as well as neighboring countries in the region. My understanding of Latin America is complemented by 23 years in the United States, including 21 years of service as a Marine. The Marine Corps has a culture all its own, which I understand well through 7 years of enlisted and 14 years of commissioned service. My first-hand exposure and experience in foreign countries have left a continuing personal interest in following social and political events in Panama, Colombia, and Latin America as a whole. I follow significant events pertinent to the region. Many have impacted the economy and security of the United States as well. The transition of operations and management of the Panama Canal to Panama in December 1999, and current efforts by President Santos against the FARC are among them. The transition of the Panama Canal and its surrounding territories marked a historical event for Panama and the U.S. Panama’s political position strengthened in relation to its Latin American neighbors by assuming responsibility...
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...Arms Trafficking between the United States and Mexico: The Drug Trafficking Nexus Transnational Crime and Globalization By: Katrina T. Mason May 2, 2008 The United States is quite known for their proactive stances on the “War on Drugs”, “War on Terror”, and “War in Iraq”. Some view them as the international police and others view them as the international fiend, but it is in no doubt that the United States takes a very active stance in fighting what they believe is evil and wrong within the world. This is increasingly true for the evils that occur within its own borders such as the continued drug epidemic, domestic violence, child abuse, poverty, gangs, and prostitution (with the exception of Nevada). Unfortunately though, the United States’ stance on legal activities crossing from their own governance into neighboring states where the activity is illegal is not held with the same level of concern or dedication. A primary example of this double standard can be seen on the Mexican-United States border. This is not in reference to the debris from the giant wall being built on the Mexican border falling to the southern side, the young Americans fleeing across the borders to intoxicate themselves, or even the revolution of McDonalds springing up in towns throughout Mexico; but instead to the small arms and light weapons trafficking continually flowing down from the border states into Mexico causing alarming murder rates, economical...
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...Tyuleubekov Sabyrzhan Policies used to tackle illicit drug markets. In this essay, I want to define how the problem of illicit drug market is tackled by the governments one by one and jointly. I will try to determine which policies are the best in preventing illicit drug market and what policies international community regarding that problem uses. There are 4 types of illegal markets defined by Jens Beckert and Frank Wehinger, and the one I want to focus on is of type 1 (“illegality due to the outlawing of specific products”[1]). Free sale of hard drugs (excluding alcohol and nicotine) is prohibited everywhere and of soft drugs is prohibited almost everywhere. However, the global illicit drug market is huge and it has big impact on international community because of drug trafficking, drug-related crimes and the number of people involved in producing, transporting and selling drugs. States and international communities are making efforts to eradicate drugs from the society spending substantial parts of their budgets. As to international community’s efforts, the United Nations is the prime organization that “controls” drug flows around the globe. Since 1912 Hague Opium Convention, the international community decided to focus on supply side of the global drug market. They decided to allocate all resources on battling the supply side, because they thought that once they control supply side they would prevent drug use and abuse. Such supply-centric policies are damaging countries...
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...relative economic standing when compared to other countries around the world. Several aspects make up what is a developing country. These types of countries usually have a relatively lower standard of living, lower economic growth, weak and sometimes corrupt governments, a wide gap between the wealthy and the poor, and a lower gross domestic product per capita. These developing economies can be found throughout the world, but are most common in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Russia and the South pacific. Most other regions are either developed economies, or are on their way to becoming one. This paper will analyze the country of Honduras. It will describe the reasons for it being a developing nation and the issues that cause or are caused by their poor economy. Background Honduras is considered part of Latin America, and more specifically Central America. Among the other six countries in Central America, Honduras ranks the 2nd poorest and has a GDp per capita of $4,700. Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America and has a GDp per capita of $4,500, only $200 less per capita than Honduras. Apart from the fact that Honduras is a less developed country, it is known for its beautiful beaches and nice weather. It lies approximately 1000 miles southwest of Miami and its Northeastern coast is nearly surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Inward from the coast, the country changes to have roughly 48,200 square miles of mountainous regions. Government Economic...
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...encapsulates many of the ideals and themes that have been examined in the Human Rights in Latin America Class. These themes contribute to the frantic and dangerous dynamic that many journalist face in Mexico on a regular basis. The idea of borders and corruption are physical ideas that are not regularly seen with a person’s eyes, but are rather recognized by their mind. Death is another theme, though unlike the previous two, present a real, noticeable physical response. Born out of these physical themes, the idea centered on the motivation of Fear and Resilience is found. These two metaphysical thoughts are encouraged and enlightened by the other physical themes associated with Human Rights. However, before diving into a...
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...The fight against illegal drug production and consumption, as well as the war against terrorism has plagued the world for more than a decade. In particular, the United States has faced multiple terrorist attacks and the issues of drugs continues to put a damper on society within the country. The nations of Latin America are greatly affected by the tragic effects that occur within their powerful and influential neighbor. History shows that the nation of Colombia has had relatively friendly and cooperative relations with the United States. In result of the events that have occurred globally and within the U.S., the country of Colombia has vowed itself in alliance to the superpower. The cooperation when it comes to the war on terror and drugs...
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