Unit VII: The Apex & Impact of the Colombian Drug Trade (7/1)

This lesson will focus on the growth and impact of drug trafficking on the region, but more specifically, on Colombia. First, a brief political history of Colombia and the influential communist rebel group within, the FARC.

Yes, it looks like it was shot in this kid's basement, but its good for a brief overview.

Note any similarities between FARC and other left-wing groups of the 60s and 70s?

Why did FARC resort to drug trafficking, or at least taxing it, as a source of income?

If FARC was taxing the trafficking, then the trafficking must have been taking place.

  - Where is the market demand for drugs? Specifically, cocaine?

  - What is the source of cocaine?

  - Where does it grow?

  - What are the traditional uses of it?

  - Why would people grow it for sale?

  - How does the capitalist system of economics play into this situation?

  - Who stands to profit?

Coca cultivation in Colombia

Sources of most of the world's coca

Those who can monopolize the trade can reap the most profit. Colombia saw a number of these drug monopolies/cartels grow during the 1980s. One of the most famous was run by Pablo Escobar.

Documentary: The Two Escobars (Courtesy ESPN 30for30)

Part 1 of 11 -- Can click through all 11 via this link

Excellent overview of the dynamics of the drug war at the time