Colombia

Book & CD. This book is an overview of Colombian and U.S. relations and issues. The United States and Colombia have co-operated to reduce narcotics smuggling for 30 years, with the U.S. Government's attitude toward Colombia being based on its partner's degree of counternarcotics co-operation. In the mid-1990's, members of the U.S. administration and Congress called Colombia a "failed state". In the late 1990's, as counternarcotics co-operation increased, Colombia was called Latin America's "oldest democracy." Today, Colombia is a U.S. ally, and the U.S. is strengthening democracy there as part of a world-wide strategy. But after 30 years, there is no endgame. U.S. policy requires more creativity and greater focus. It needs clearly defined benchmarks and attainable mutual objectives. This book discusses how to give assistance realistically, with accountability, and better prospects for success. The American-Colombian strategic partnership has made significant progress since the inception of Plan Colombia. The U.S. has provided a considerable amount of economic, police, judicial, and military assistance. But much work looms ahead to eliminate the threats to state authority as well as the terrorism and the drug trafficking that nurture so much violence and corruption.