Peru: Forum for a New United States Security Strategy?
Abstract
Peru suffers from a combination of problems so severe that they threaten its democracy and present a major challenge to United States security policy. With the economy in a desperate state, and social tensions dividing its people, Peru is plagued by rising insurgency. The country is heavily dependent on the income from the production of coca, from which the majority of the world's cocaine is derived. The United States wishes to reduce coca production, but the Peruvian government resists demands to make meaningful inroads into the industry, recognizing the threat to its fragile democracy from alienating the one million people who depend on it; a concern also shared by the United States. A fresh approach is required by the supporting power, which would recognize the financial realities, and provide suitable support and advisory structure. With the adoption by President Fujimori of a counterinsurgency strategy modeled on British experience in Malaya, and the United States an unchallenged position on the world stage, the moment seems ideal to embark on a new approach. However, disparity of interests between the Administration and Congress, the legacy of Vietnam, and domestic pressures in an election year, prejudice the implementation of a suitable strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA249777
Entities
People
- Peter Rostron
Organizations
- United States Army War College