US tackling drug cartels off Venezuelan coast evokes 'long history of US intervention in the region'

Key Concepts

• US-Mexico security cooperation
• Fentanyl and drug trafficking
• Weapons smuggling
• US military intervention in Latin America
• Mexican sovereignty
• US war on drugs
• Narco-terrorist organizations
• Bilateral relations
• Tariff rates

US-Mexico Security Cooperation

• Mexican President Claudia Shenbomb and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met and agreed to strengthen security cooperation to stop the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into the US and weapons smuggling into Mexico.
• The agreement emphasizes continued collaboration between the two nations.

US Military Action and the War on Drugs

• The US military conducted a missile strike on a boat in international waters, allegedly belonging to a Venezuelan drug cartel (Trend Deawa gang, designated as a terrorist organization by the US). 11 people were killed.
• Secretary Rubio indicated that this strike wouldn't be the last, signaling a more aggressive approach by the US against narco-terrorist organizations.
• The US has deployed an entire naval task force in the southern Caribbean to interdict drugs.
• This represents a shift from primarily using the Coast Guard for drug interdiction.

Historical Context and Latin American Relations

• The US military action reminds Latin America of a long history of US intervention in the region, including sending in the Marines and occupying countries.
• Historically, US intervention was often to overthrow governments, not primarily to combat drug trafficking (with the exception of the invasion of Panama in 1989 to overthrow Noriega).
• The expert, Pamela Star, notes that this action doesn't generate good feelings toward the United States in Latin America.

Mexican Sovereignty and US Intervention

• President Shenbomb stated that Mexico will not accept interventions, interference, or any act from abroad that is detrimental to its integrity, independence, and sovereignty.
• Star believes that a US attack on a suspected drug cartel boat on Mexican territory is less likely than on Venezuelan territory because Mexico will not accept US military forces on its territory without express permission.
• Crossing this "red line" would likely result in Mexico ceasing cooperation with the US in drug trafficking.

US-Mexico Relations under President Shenbomb

• President Shenbomb has maintained a programmatic relationship with US President Trump despite his previous harsh comments about Mexicans.
• The security accord agreed upon in Mexico City incorporates direct respect for Mexican sovereignty, which President Shenbomb insisted upon.
• Secretary Rubio stated that "No government is cooperating more with the United States in this moment than the government of Mexico, the government of Shamong."
• The US doesn't want to risk losing Mexico's cooperation by going too far, even with pressure within the Trump administration to use the military.

Economic Factors

• Mexico has one of the lowest effective tariff rates in the world, much lower than most of its competitors in the US market and very much lower than China.

President Trump's View of President Shenbomb

• President Trump has spoken positively about President Shenbomb, referring to her as a "terrific woman," an "elegant, beautiful woman," and someone he can work with.

Conclusion

The US and Mexico are attempting to strengthen security cooperation while navigating complex issues of sovereignty and historical tensions. The US is taking a more aggressive approach to combating drug trafficking, but must balance this with maintaining a positive relationship with Mexico, which is seen as a key partner in these efforts. President Shenbomb has successfully maintained a working relationship with President Trump, emphasizing respect for Mexican sovereignty.