Military Review English Edition May-June 2014 | Page 38

Former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell visiting Colombia as a part of United States support of Plan Colombia. (DOD) counterdrug fight, but such issues can have a significant and long-term effect on economic engagement. A dispute between Chile and Peru—two of the fastest growing economies in the region—over maritime boundaries continued for decades. Security cooperation that embraces setting the conditions for increased trade would examine this type of security problem and devote resources to alleviating tension through engagement. The erosion of democracy is another major concern. Subversive elements following socialist or communist tenets—such as those of Lenin, Gramsci, and Verstrynge—are seeking to undermine democratic institutions. In some cases, they have caused significant economic disruption.14 The ongoing political unrest in Venezuela has the potential to destabilize an important economic 36 player in the hemisphere and the 13th largest oil producer in the world.15 Unfortunately, the United States and its regional partners have yet to develop a viable response to this type of challenge to the Democratic Charter. 16 Many countries that have fallen under this scheme are intensely focused on thwarting regional economic integration. Of course, from any perspective, the fact is that drug trafficking will remain a serious threat in the region. Cocaine begins its journey in the Andean Ridge, passes through Central America and Mexico, and brings c