Joseph R. Nunez

Developing an effective U. S. national security strategy for Latin America hinges upon how well Colombia fares in its fight against the major sources of violence: guerrillas, paramilitaries, and narcotraffickers. Currently, Washington supports a counterdrug policy, while Bogota argues for a counterinsurgency strategy. Considering the Free Trade Area of the Americas initiative, proposed for implementation in 2005, regional security issues no doubt will increase in importance. In particular, Colombia's troubles are spilling over borders and affecting countries such as Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Venezuela. Moreover, Colombia's leading role in the drug trade touches all countries in the Americas and beyond. In this monograph, one of a special series on Colombia, Colonel Joseph R. Nunez first analyzes the intervention conundrum of Colombia. He then summarizes the reasons for the violent and anarchic situation that frustrates those wishing to make peace and expand democracy.

This monograph by Colonel Joseph R. Nunez is a constructive response to the question of "How can the United States best develop security cooperation within the Americas?" In it, he develops the necessary background to make the persuasive argument that it is time for the United States to employ strategic restraint and reassurance of allies to develop a new security architecture that is effective and efficient, not to mention reflecting of our values and interests. The current security architecture of the Western Hemisphere needs major change. To better address current and future threats, the United States must be able to demonstrate the type of leadership that reflects the "soft power" and liberal peace realities of our hemispheric neighborhood. Of course, this will require the recognition and assistance of other leading states that provide real legitimacy and better representation for this new security structure.