Plano Colômbia : $b a influência dos Estados Unidos da América do Norte no combate ao narcotráfico na América Latina.

Abstract

This work examines the development of Plan Colombia under the influence of the United States of America (USA) in its fight against drug trafficking in Latin America before and after its implementation. One can set the Plan Colombia as a program created by Colombian and North-American government authorities, whose goal is to achieve a certain result against the situation of regional conflicts caused by Colombian and neighboring countries drug trafficking. Understanding how Plan Colombia is formulated involves the knowledge of the history of the states studied and also of the various events that drive the actions of international actors. The type of policy used in the Plan becomes relevant and necessary for there to be a constant adaptation to these changes and for it to meet the interests of both states. With a strong influence and financial assistance to the Plan, the United States initially seeks the stabilization of drug trafficking in America, especially inside the country, but also wants to ensure its interests related to Latin American countries, thus affirming its hegemony and domination under the region. This can be explained by the countries’ foreign policy under the theory of hegemonic stability, which discusses the need for a strong state to the development of the world economy, a state that takes control over other countries, in other words, a hegemony. Moreover, to explain the conflicts arising from this scenario, one can use the theory of low-intensity warfare, which is defined as a limited conflict, in order to achieve political, military, social, and economic objectives. The aim of this study was to identify the changes generated by the Plan Colombia and its economics, social and political effects over drug trafficking in Colombia and neighboring countries and, consequently, the effects it generates to the USA. One sought to identify the forms of intervention and USA foreign policy to Colombia and its economic interests in place. It also sought to understand the conflict in the Colombian state and its relations with the United States, as well as to analyze the context of drug trafficking in the region. Finally, to meet the guidelines of the Plan and identify the changes generated by its implementation. The qualitative analytical method was used, based on the understanding of the historical evolution of Colombia, as well as its relationship with the USA and also the foreign policy of both countries. The North-American strategy policy toward the region is in a matter of maintaining a political and economic status quo. North-American interventions in Latin America can be justified, therefore, to maintain the country’s position of greatest world power and preserve its security, controlling the situation of drug trafficking and other interests, thus ensuring its hegemony in the international system.