Tag "war on drugs"

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Latin America Power Brokers

Colombia’s Gulf Clan: The Capture of a Kingpin and the Future of Colombia’s Cartels

In late October 2021, the Colombian military captured Dairo Antonio “Otoniel” Usuga, the head of the Gulf Clan and one of Colombia’s most wanted drug kingpins. Although Colombian president Duque compared Otoniel’s capture to Pablo Escobar’s killing, the two men were dissimilar in most ways. Furthermore, Otoniel’s downfall is unlikely to have a positive effect on Colombia’s drug war, and may actually cause the violence to increase.

Latin America Security

Mexican Marijuana: The Effects of Legalization on the Economy and the War on Drugs

Following in the footsteps of countries including Canada and Uruguay, Mexico’s lower house passed a bill on 10th March for the purpose of legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, often referred to as AMLO, has cited undermining drug cartels as one of the key reasons behind his support for the proposal. Nevertheless, though legalization is likely to prove an economic boon, its impact on crime is likely to be less substantial.

Latin America Politics

Challenges of Mexico’s drug legalisation

Mexican President-elect Obrador has declared his intention to combat drug cartels with a bold strategy – decriminalization of opium and marijuana. But while this policy may hurt the cartels, it

Asia Pacific Politics

Manila’s “Duterte Harry”: Should investors be worried?

While investors appear confident in Rodrigo Duterte’s national project will his drug vendetta affect the Philippines’ economic prospects over the long term?

North America Security

How El Chapo distracts from Mexico’s main problems

The ‘El Chapo’ capture, it turns out, is not only a morale and political boost for the ailing President Nieto, it is also developing into a public telenovela with an

North America Security

Mexico court ruling hints at marijuana policy change

A historic ruling by Mexico’s Supreme Court regarding marijuana use could act as precedent to spur an about-face in Mexico’s drug policy. On November 4th, Mexico’s Supreme Court voted to

North America Security

Peña Nieto Policies to Change Mexican-US War on Drugs

The War on Drugs has resulted in thousands of deaths. Enrique Peña Nieto has announced a new strategy for Mexico focusing on civilian protection. Since the 1980s, when the United

Latin America Politics

Evo Morales’ Third Term Diminishes Hope for Democracy

As Evo Morales increasing works against his own constitutional amendments, democratic prospects in Bolivia are shrinking. Evo Morales came to power in 2006 as Bolivia’s first indigenous president. During his