Donald Trump has initiated a crackdown on drug syndicates, citing the significant flow of narcotics like fentanyl into the United States as a key driver of his broader trade conflict. Several cartels have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Recently, the Trump administration quietly approved a Pentagon directive authorizing military action against drug cartels. This led to a U.S. drone strike on a Venezuelan vessel in international waters, resulting in the deaths of all 11 individuals on board. The heightened tension has raised concerns about potential further strikes in Venezuela and Mexico, both focal points in Trump’s anti-cartel campaign.
Alexander Aviña, a professor specializing in Latin American history at Arizona State University, provides insights into the implications of these recent escalations and reflects on the historical effectiveness of drug war strategies.