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