Donald Trump has intensified efforts against drug cartels, citing the influx of narcotics, particularly fentanyl, into the U.S. as a key driver of his broader trade strategy. Several cartels have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Recently, the Trump administration quietly approved a Pentagon directive authorizing military action against drug cartels, resulting in a U.S. drone strike on a Venezuelan vessel in international waters, claiming the lives of all 11 individuals on board. This move has raised concerns about potential future strikes in Venezuela and Mexico, which are also focal points in Trump’s anti-cartel campaign. Alexander Aviña, a Latin American history associate professor at Arizona State University, offers insights into the implications of these developments and reflects on the historical efficacy of drug wars.
