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
Corresponding text found on p266-309 of Concise History of Mexico.
Oil boom of 1970s greatly benefits growth of Mexican economy
By 1981, Mexico 4th largest oil exporter in world
1982 - financial crisis due to collapse of oil prices and devalued peso; unable to pay debts
Govt attempts to restructure economy through liberalization measures; de-nationalization; fewer subsidies
Bank nationalization for economic stability
1985 - major earthquake hits Mexico City; govt decides to join GATT
Mexico City after 1985 earthquake
Numerous deals with IMF
Diversification of export portfolio away from oil; more emphasis on manufacturing goods for export
July 1988 - Carlos Salinas elected President
Continues economic reforms; acknowledges Mexico cannot continue to be one-party state
Stronger executive; reform of land redistribution for ejidos law
Re-privatizes banks
Pushes issue of creation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Sees Mexico's economic future tied to US; comparable to EU; additional trade agreements in LatAm
Dec 1992 - NAFTA signed
The signing of NAFTA
Feb 1993 - govt re-established diplomatic relations with Holy See (broken under Juarez-1867)
July 1994 - Zedillo Administration begins and faces immediate financial crisis; US financial bailout; IMF loan
NAFTA led to increase in manufacturing and export market; growth of northern state power
Opposition party PAN started to win more governor's seats
ABC News report on Mexican economic crisis of 1994
1994 - Chiapas Uprising
- EZLN, Zapatista National Liberation Army, formed in 1980s; leftist guerrilla group; indigenous grievances
- force used to take control of 'liberated territory'; southern heavily-indigenous regions
- opposed neo-liberal ideology of Mexican govt
- Catholic bishop brokered peace deal; Zapatistas gave up armed control of territory
Globalization had continuing effects on Mexican economy through 1990s
- oil market drop in late 90s
- Asian economic slow down of late 90s
Dynamic power struggle in elite circles between industrialists on northern states who want policies that promote exports and capital investment versus traditional nationalists
1998 - oil production agreement reached between Mexico, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia to stabilize prices
PEMEX revenues high in 2000s due to high oil prices; high taxes owed state leave little for investment
Economic slow-down of early 2000s and growth of China export economy led to high unemployment
Fox attempted to put Mexico on global stage; reform NAFTA to allow for free movement of labor
By 2002, Mexico had grown to world's 9th largest economy; hosted global summits
Modern Mexico City: A signal of prosperity
Shadow of growing drug trade in Mexico loomed large; 2005 US State Dept Report
- 90% of US cocaine shipped through Mexico
- 2nd largest supplier of heroin
Drug trafficking: The dark side of the modernization of Mexico
PAN's (conservative, business oriented) tepid relationship with the Catholic right in Mexico
2002 - Pope John Paul II made 5th trip to Mexico; canonized Juan Diego; Fox kissed ring
Cuba
In 2006, Fidel Castro handed over temporary control of Cuba to his brother Raul. In 2008, that transfer of power was made permanent. However, earlier in the 2000s, Fidel Castro did an interview with ABC's Barbara Walters.
Haiti
Corresponding text found on p271-277 of Brief History of the Caribbean.
Period following the exile of Jean-Claude Duvalier marked by instability and virtual absence of govt
1987 - New Constitution approved; markedly divides power; created almost permanent gridlock
Most influence held by regional leaders and not central govt until Dec 1990 elections (respectable)
Jean-Bertrand Aristide elected President; trained (eventually suspended) as Catholic priest, laicized 1995
Supported by rural citizens and poor of Port-au-Prince where he had ministered; Lavalas 'Party'
Agitated, violent, activist supporters infamous for violent acts in support of Aristide
Govt institutes high tariffs; discusses expropriation of lands and funds; economy moved close to collapse
Aug 1991 - National Assembly moves for vote of no confidence; vote suspended due to violent opposition
Sept 1991 - Aristide travels to NY for UN; military coup; returns and calls for uprising
Aristide exiled to Venezuela
1992 - Aristide moved to Washington DC to advocate for his return to presidency
US President Bush ordered embargo on Haiti and its military govt in 1992
Subsequent economic destitution led +35,000 Haitians to flee (rafters)
June 1993 - Clinton Administration increases economic pressure for Aristide return
Military leaders and Aristide meet and agree on terms for return in Oct; terrorized Aristide supporters
Oct 1993 - 200 US & Canadian soldiers arrive with Aristide in Haiti; violent opposition and civil unrest
Jan 1994 - Aristide hosts conference in Miami to demand active US involvement
May 1994 - Clinton modifies US refugee policy for Haitians; thousands more picked up at sea
President Clinton addresses American public on Haiti
US reimposes trade embargo; UN authorizes US invasion of Haiti
Sept 1994 - Haitian military leaders flee prior to US invasion
Oct 1994 - Aristide returned to power; sanctions lifted; Haiti in shambles; avg income = $220/person
March 1995 - US troops leave; UN peacekeeps takeover security
Aristide abided by conditions of reinstallation; market reforms; leave office in 96; ensure democracy
Lavalas successful in elections; Rene Preval elected President in Dec 1995 with Aristide support
Aristide upset with some Preval initiatives; Lavalas split into pro-Aristide and pro-Preval factions
Haitian economy supported by international aid, remittances, and illegal activity
2000 Presidential election marred by violence between competing factions
As part of this topic, we will also view Frontline: The Quake on the 2010 Haitian earthquake.
The Anglophone Caribbean Jamaica
Democracy remains vibrant in Jamaica but economic problems persist; Causes?
Drug trafficking and subsequent violence have become most pressing concern
2006 - Portia Miller-Simpson (PNP) became 1st female PM in Jamaica
JLP govt and PM Bruce Golding problems in Dudus Coke affair highlight Jamaican issues
Former PM Edward Seaga on Coke Affair
Trinidad
Democracy vibrant in Trinidad; economy stable but diversification and growth problematic
1995 - Basdeo Panday becomes 1st Indo-Trinidadian to be PM
2001 - PNM regains power with PM Patrick Manning; oil market prices fuel growth; high number of govt projects; Vision 2020
Corruption besieges projects; drug trafficking and related crime plague 2000s
A 6 minute overview of the political career of Hugo Chavez
5 minute critical look at Hugo Chavez
As part of this topic, and for a better understanding of the place of Hugo Chavez in Latin American history, we will be watching Frontline's The Hugo Chavez Show from 2008.
Takeaways
- political rise of Chavez
- What were the political conditions of Venezuela?
- How did pre-Chavez Venezuela differ from other nations of the region? How similar?
- Characteristics of the Chavez Presidency
- Characteristics of Venezuelan foreign policy under Chavez
- Legacy of initiatives such as ALBA & PetroCaribe
- How would you define the Bolivarian Revolution?
Leaders of the Bolivarian Revolution: Evo Morales (Bolivia), Rafael Correa (Ecuador),
Hugo Chavez (Venezuela), Daniel Ortega (Nicaragua)
Issues in Contemporary Mexico
- Drug cartel influence
- De-nationalization of PEMEX
- Return to power of PRI
- Growth of Mexico's middle class
- Effects of NAFTA
The Future of Mexico
Issues in Contemporary Central America
- Drug trafficking and violence; CARSI
- The return of Oretga in Nicaragua
- Growing prosperity in Panama
Issues in South America
- Drug trafficking and the push for legalization
- Modern leftist movements (Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina)
- Growth and risks to Colombia
- The future of Venezuela
- Brazil: The country of tomorrow?
Issues in the Caribbean
- The future of Cuba
- Building a functioning Haiti
- Forming self-sustaining economies in the Caribbean; Caricom
- Drug trafficking, corruption, and crime plaguing Jamaica & Trinidad
