Jane Bridwell Josiah Gilliam Asami Kunimoto Adriana 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 ( ) 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 Stability Violence 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