Share

To Fight Organized Crime, Latin America Needs a Regional Security Force

By Ana Janaina Nelson, Benjamin N. Gedan

Escalating violence is a cross-border crisis that demands collective action.

Across Latin America and the Caribbean, crime is the top public concern as organized criminal groups increasingly overwhelm local authorities and out-maneuver national governments. Criminal violence is now undeniably a regional crisis that requires a regional response. Traditionally, the U.S. would step in as Latin America’s most important security partner to support its soldiers, police, prosecutors and judges. But amid sharp reductions in its foreign assistance, Washington can no longer be relied upon. That is why leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean should take matters into...

Read this article on the Americas Quarterly website. | Subscribe to AQ.

Related

Bullet holes near the U.S.-Mexico border after a shoot out. (AP)
Which Cartels and Groups Is Trump Designating as Foreign Terrorist Organizations?

The U.S. government named ten criminal groups FTOs—six from Mexico, two from Haiti, and two associated with Venezuela and El Salvador.

Latin America’s Deadliest Threat Is Made in the U.S.

The region's organized crime groups source much of their arsenal from the U.S., an expert writes.

Explore