Two Wars: Overseas Contingency Operations and the War on Drugs
Abstract
The 9/11 attacks created many challenges and controversies regarding the War on Drugs (WOD) and the Overseas Contingency Operation (OCO) formerly known as the "Global War on Terror" (GWOT). An evolving argument is the potential impact of the OCO on the WOD, and vice versa. Some critics have argued that the United States cannot win both wars simultaneously, while others theorize that the nation's efforts against terrorism are positively impacting the WOD. This thesis examines terrorism and drug trafficking in the pre- and post-9/11 eras, theorizing that the United States' change in priority has impeded the efforts of the WOD, particularly as it relates to the southwest border with Mexico. Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTOs) with their immense influence have corrupted Mexican political and law enforcement officials and threaten the stability of the Mexican state. This situation is a direct threat to the national security of the United States. This thesis is a comparative analysis of the U.S. government's approach to the GWOT and the WOD. It will examine the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the realignment of other government agencies as well as their impact on the WOD. The study also will investigate drug seizure activities at southwest border Ports of Entry before and after 9/11, and will analyze the DTOs' corruption of military and law enforcement agencies in Mexico, and their sphere influence in the United States.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 08, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA530252
Entities
People
- Dextan E. Dixon
Organizations
- National Defense University