Tough on crime, soft on sovereignty
The narrative of a 'tough on crime' candidate sweeping to power on the back of rising insecurity is a well-worn path in Latin American politics, frequently preceding economic and political shifts favored by external powers. FIRST INSTANCE: In the 1980s, the "War on Drugs" rhetoric, heavily pushed by the United States, served as a primary rationale for increased military and intelligence
involvement across the region. A notable example is Colombia, where from the mid-1980s, drug-related violence was the explicit justification for extensive U.S. aid and intervention under initiatives like Plan Colombia (formally launched in 1999), which disproportionately funded military rather than social programs. The result was often increased militarization of state security forces and a
strengthening of conservative political factions, rather than a sustained reduction in crime. REPETITIONS: 1989, Panama: The U.S. invasion, 'Operation Just Cause,' was ostensibly launched to oust Manuel Noriega, a dictator indicted on drug trafficking charges. While Noriega certainly had ties to narcotics, the invasion also secured U.S. control of the Panama Canal as the transfer deadline
approached, and installed a more compliant government. Critics at the time, including the Organization of American States (OAS), condemned the action as a violation of international law. 2006, Mexico: President Felipe Calderón launched a comprehensive military-led 'War on Drugs' following his election, a move heavily supported by the U.S. through initiatives like the Merida Initiative (2007). This