The guns-for-drugs trade: implications for U.S. foreign policy

Abstract

This thesis is a comprehensive study of the relationship between weapons and narcotics trafficking--a phenomenon referred to as the "guns-for-drugs-trade". It focuses on trafficking that occurs throughout the United States and Latin America. The thesis identifies the actors, motivating factors, types of weapons, methods of smuggling, system dynamics, implications and prevalent problems found in combatting the trade. Several options are offered for U.S. policy which include neglecting the problem altogether, increasing interdiction efforts, passing stricter laws and harsher penalties, increasing intergovernmental cooperation and bolstering cooperation among law enforcement agencies, both foreign and domestic. In conclusion, the thesis proposes that any solution should address both U.S. and Latin American concerns, emphasize cooperation and apply lessons learned during the drug wars..