«Drug Trafficking in Latin America: International Counteraction Mechanisms»
Students Name: Koval Iryna Anatoliivna
Qualification Level: magister
Speciality: International Relations
Institute: Institute of the Humanities and Social Sciences
Mode of Study: full
Academic Year: 2023-2024 н.р.
Language of Defence: ukrainian
Abstract: The problem of drug trafficking in the modern world has become a global and large-scale issue. The flows of drug trafficking are vast; they connect regions and continents, sometimes with dramatic consequences for the countries they affect. Latin America is an important region in the context of international security. Growing volumes of drugs entering the global market can pose a security threat not only in the region itself but also beyond. Object of research - Drug trafficking in Latin America as a global and regional problem. The subject of the study is international mechanisms for preventing and combating drug trafficking in Latin America. The purpose of the study is to comprehensively investigate the problems of drug trafficking in Latin America and to analyze the international system of mechanisms for preventing and counteracting drug trafficking.The master’s thesis examines the problems of drug trafficking in Latin America and international mechanisms aimed at countering this global phenomenon. A detailed analysis of the spread and impact of drugs in the region allows us to identify the key factors that contribute to the formation of drug trafficking networks and emphasize the socio-economic consequences for Latin American countries. The paper focuses on the analysis of international mechanisms for countering drug trafficking and their impact on regional strategies and policies. The role of international organizations, such as the UN, Interpol, and regional associations of countries in the fight against drug trafficking is explored. In particular, international treaties, cooperation programs, and information exchange aimed at reducing drug production and trafficking are considered [4].Attention is focused on international organizations, such as the UN and Interpol, which play a key role in coordinating joint efforts of countries to exchange information, develop common strategies and implement international norms and standards in the fight against drug trafficking. Ensuring cooperation between different levels of governmental and non-governmental structures, as well as the active participation of civil society, are important components of a successful strategic response. International and regional legal regulation of drug trafficking in Latin America is also highlighted as an integral part of the global strategy to combat this serious threat to stability, security and development. The analysis of the legal dimension reveals the complexity of the challenges faced by the countries of the region and points to the importance of common standards and cooperation between international and regional actors. International conventions, such as the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, create a legal framework for coordinating efforts to combat drug trafficking [4].The paper identifies the preconditions for the formation of such a phenomenon as drug trafficking. Drug trafficking in Latin America is the result of the interaction of various factors, from historical and socio-economic to political and geopolitical. The prerequisites for the formation of a drug trafficking system include elements of economic inequality, political instability, corruption, and the availability of drug raw materials in natural resources. Socio-cultural aspects, such as traditions of cultivation of narcotic plants and high demand for drugs, are additionally noted as critical factors [1]. Keywords - Drug trafficking in Latin America, cooperation, international organizations, strategies.List of references 1. Muggah R. (22 May, 2023). Latin America’s crime surge is fueled by surging cocaine production. Small Wars Journal. 2. Aharonian A. (22 September, 2023). The drug trade is taking over Latin America. Pressenza. 3. Latin America and transnational organised crime (2021). Available from: https://www.gcsp.ch/digital-hub/latin-america-and-transnational- organised-crime 4. UNODC Executive Director launches Strategic Vision for Latin America and the Caribbean for 2022-2025 (2022). Available from: https:// www.unodc.org/unodc/frontpage/2022/February/unodc-executive- director-launches-strategic-vision-for-latin-america-and-the-caribbean- for-2022-2025.html