Strategic Analysis of the War on Drugs
Abstract
The term war on drugs has received considerable acceptance to describe the efforts of our government and nation to rid our society of drug trafficking. This paper provides a strategic analysis of the war on drugs, first by discussing the negative consequences which drug trafficking are having on society domestically and the adverse impacts on friendly governments, particularly in Latin America. A review of the various strategies used to combat drug trafficking to date is provided, showing that the strategy has changed several times in the recent past. Unintended consequences resulting from these various strategies are discussed. And lastly, an analysis is conducted of the war on drugs from a Clausewitzian perspective to determine if the principles of war which the noted Prussian military strategist espoused are appropriate to the drug war, and if they are being followed. This paper concludes by briefly comparing the drug war to the cold war, and postulates that the same basic American ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were and are at stake in both wars.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA234230
Entities
People
- Kenneth M. O'connor
Organizations
- United States Army War College