Georgetown Americas Institute

A History of Collaboration: Colombia and the United States

The event began with introductory remarks from Ambassador Daniel García Peña, who highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Colombia and the United States in combating drug trafficking. He emphasized the evolving nature of the drug problem and the necessity of continuous cooperation between the two countries. Over the years, both nations have learned from their shared experiences, adjusting their strategies based on what has proven effective. Ambassador García Peña noted the change in U.S. leadership under President Donald Trump, acknowledging that U.S. priorities and vision have shifted, but reaffirmed that cooperation between the two countries would continue in the pursuit of mutual prosperity.

General Triana and Gloria Miranda’s Opening Remarks

General Triana provided an in-depth look at the Colombian police force’s role in tackling organized crime and drug trafficking. He shared insights into the historical context of Colombia’s efforts, particularly the impact of Plan Colombia, in which the United States invested over $10 billion in strengthening the Colombian police. These investments helped modernize the police force, reduce violence, and combat criminal organizations. Triana noted that after the end of Plan Colombia in 2016 came a transition to a new strategy called Paz Colombia, which focuses on security and also aims to support the peace process and regional development. Triana further explained the need for continued collaboration with the United States in fighting transnational crime and the challenges ahead in maintaining security while also addressing socioeconomic factors that drive illegal activities.

“With this money the police is robusting its capacities in knowledge, thinking, and execution against criminal organizations in Colombia.”-Carlos Fernando Triana. 

Miranda presented a crucial perspective on the social dimensions of drug policy. She discussed how drug trafficking and coca cultivation are deeply rooted in poverty and a lack of state presence in rural regions. She emphasized that many farmers cultivate coca not out of criminal intent, but out of necessity, as alternative livelihoods are often inaccessible. The government’s approach, she explained, is to replace not just the coca crops but the entire illicit economy in these areas by providing rural development, improved infrastructure, and better market access. Miranda criticized previous policies, such as Plan Colombia, for being overly militarized, with minimal focus on social investment. She stated that the current Colombian administration is advocating for a more balanced strategy that combines security with social investments to address the root causes of coca cultivation, such as poverty and marginalization.

“When we are talking about farmers, we are not talking about criminals, but rather a poor and vulnerable population, especially in areas where the state has not been present.”-Gloria Miranda. 

Security and Social Development

Triana highlighted the need for a balanced approach where security measures, including military and police forces, are combined with social programs that address infrastructure, education, and health care needs. He explained that 30% of the effort is dedicated to ensuring security, while the remaining 70% focuses on social investments by various government ministries. Triana emphasized that the presence of the state, through both security and social services, is essential to consolidate peace and stability in rural areas.

Miranda, on the other hand, pointed out that addressing both security and social development in parallel is necessary. She shared examples from the field, including regions where the state is simultaneously working to secure territories with military forces while delivering social services. Miranda stressed that people in these areas must see tangible benefits from the state's presence—such as improved health, education, and economic opportunities—if they are to abandon illicit activities like coca cultivation. This holistic approach, she argued, helps build trust between rural communities and the state, which is essential for the success of substitution programs.

Q&A: Addressing Challenges in Conflict Zones

The Q&A session focused on specific issues regarding the implementation of drug policy in high-conflict areas, such as Catatumbo, which has been historically affected by armed groups and criminal organizations. Triana shared that the Colombian government, in collaboration with military and police forces, is actively working in these regions to restore order and recover control from armed groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents. He explained that a key part of this effort involves using both military presence and the engagement of various government ministries to offer social services and improve infrastructure. The goal is to rebuild trust within these communities, ensuring that the population feels protected and supported by the state.

Miranda emphasized that while the situation in conflict zones like Catatumbo is complex, progress is possible when security efforts are paired with social development initiatives. She noted that in regions where peace negotiations are taking place, there is more openness to state intervention, as there is agreement between armed groups and the government on the importance of economic transformation. However, in more volatile areas, such as Cauca, where conflict is still ongoing, the situation remains challenging. Miranda reiterated that the process of coca substitution requires a long-term commitment, not only to security but also to providing the basic services that rural communities need to thrive.

The session also touched on the broader impact of U.S. support in Colombia, with General Triana affirming that the continued cooperation has been vital to the country’s progress in combating drug trafficking and organized crime. Both speakers recognized the importance of international support, particularly from the United States, in maintaining Colombia’s drug policy efforts.