U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified efforts against drug cartels, citing the influx of narcotics, particularly fentanyl, as a key driver of his trade policies. Several cartels have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Recently, the Trump administration quietly approved a Pentagon directive allowing military force against drug cartels, resulting in a drone strike on a Venezuelan vessel in international waters, claiming the lives of all 11 passengers. This move has raised concerns about potential further actions in Venezuela and Mexico, which are also focal points in Trump’s anti-cartel campaign. Alexander Aviña, a Latin American history expert at Arizona State University, shares insights on the implications of these developments and reflects on the historical effectiveness of drug war strategies.
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