ABSTRACT
Chapter 6 continues looking at weak states and non-state actors but this time with a focus on the regional complex of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the promulgation of organized criminal networks. This region to the south of the United States has long been deemed an important part of American influence declared during the presidency of James Monroe. Because of its location, immature democratic institutions, and geography, the area has been penetrated by criminal networks seeking to make profit from the United States demand for illegal drugs, specifically cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana, as well as many synthetic drugs. Foreign actors like Iran, Russia, and China are already bolstering their presence both economically and politically and this challenge must be met head on.
