Elias Koskinen (Editor)

Series: Latin American Political, Economic, and Security Issues
BISAC: LAW083000

Colombia, a key U.S. ally, has made measurable progress in providing security despite having endured the longest armed internal conflict in the Western Hemisphere. It has long been a source for both cocaine and heroin. Drug trafficking has helped to perpetuate conflict by funding both left-wing and right-wing armed groups. Colombia and the United States have forged a close partnership focused initially on counternarcotics and later counterterrorism.

In recent years, the U.S.-Colombian relationship has broadened to include trade, human rights, and development. Colombia has emerged as a regional leader providing training in security and counternarcotics throughout the hemisphere and elsewhere. This book provides an overview of U.S. relations with Colombia and the FARC peace process, with a focus on what role the United States should continue to play in Colombia’s ongoing struggle with drug trafficking and illegal armed groups; human rights abuses; and Colombia’s peace negotiations and their effect on security conditions in the country. (Imprint: Nova)