The Pros And Cons Of Plan Colombia

Plan Colombia, an initiative created to combat the increasing drug epidemic in Colombia, has been in action for over a decade. In an effort to bring peace to the nation and reduce the production and sale of narcotics, numerous key agents have become involved in the affair at both the regional and international level. Utilizing geo-cultural structures and a variety of ideologies, these agents are able to justify their actions in the nation and continue diffusing tension in Colombia as well as combating the drug trade. In addition, limitations of both sovereignty and absolutism are evident in this initiative. Overall, these aspects of Plan Colombia have led to its tremendous influence in the world today. There are countless agents

The United States government is one such agent. The US government has taken over many aspects of Colombia, with the goal of eliminating the production of cocaine, thus halting the growing drug endemic. They have intruded in Colombia, exerting their power over the Colombian government in many cases, in hopes of providing much needed aid to a country that is in the midst of such plights. Monsanto is also a key agent at the international level. As a known agri-business corporation specializing in the production of chemicals such as pesticides, Monsanto has been critical to the fumigation procedures used to eliminate coca plants throughout many areas of the Colombian countryside. Finally, the paramilitary also serves as an influential international agent in regards to Plan Colombia. This group, appointed by the United States, has been vital in the elimination and control of the FARC guerilla members. They strive to eradicate social and political organizations that contradict their own right-wing beliefs, and have been influential in conflicts with not only the FARC, but also with opposing political parties, unions, and leftist organizations. Plan Colombia is highly influenced through international agents such as

One structure used by multiple agents is simply the law. Both the US and Colombian governments have a legal system in place from which they act. These systems include laws against the production and sale of narcotics, as well as laws for the protection of basic human rights. Legal systems such as the ones utilized by these governments have served to both aid and hinder agents in the pursuit of their interests. For example, laws against narcotics justify the US in their interference in Colombia, as the US government believes that the proper way to eradicate the drug market is to target the direct source of the problem, eliminating the growing of coca by local Colombian farmers. However, human rights regulations have the ability to hinder their plans. The US relies heavily upon fumigation procedures to destroy coca plants in the country, and such procedures utilize the chemical glyphosate. Though the US claims that glyphosate is a safe and legal form of herbicide, it has been determined that the glyphosate used in Colombia is not entirely pure, but is a compound mixed with numerous other chemicals, thus greatly increasing its toxicity levels. Known for causing skin problems, interfering with a number of essential bodily enzymes, and triggering tumor growth, as well as