Colombia and the United States--The Partnership: But What Is the Endgame?

Authored by Ambassador Myles R. R. Frechette.

March 2007

46 Pages

Brief Synopsis

American Ambassador to Colombia, 1994-97, Myles R. R. Frechette provides authoritative, eloquent, and impassioned perspectives on both the achievements and failures of American and Colombian efforts. He argues that American policy made analytical errors that need to be rectified, including underestimating the long-term complexity and interrelated nature of the problem, while both nations overestimated the amount of support that Colombia would receive from the international community. Moreover, nation-building and the rule of law are strategic imperatives which American policy must take seriously. Finally, it is critical to appreciate that Colombian cultural characteristics sharply influence what Colombians will do on their own behalf.

Summary

The United States and Colombia have cooperated to reduce narcotics smuggling for 30 years, with the U.S. Government’s attitude toward Colombia being based on its partner’s degree of counternarcotics cooperation. In the mid-1990s, members of the U.S. administration and Congress called Colombia a “failed state.” In the late 1990s, as counternarcotics cooperation increased, Colombia was called Latin America’s “oldest democracy.” Today, Colombia is a U.S. ally, and the United States is strengthening democracy there as part of a worldwide strategy. But after 30 years, there is no endgame.

U.S. policy requires more creativity and greater focus. It needs clearly defined benchmarks and attainable mutual objectives. This monograph discusses how to give assistance realistically, with accountability, and better prospects for success.

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