CRIME & CORRUPTION

South America: When States Pursue a Narcotic Agenda

President Evo Morales of Bolivia has emerged as a major narcotics trafficker for a variety of strategic reasons, mostly related to his retention of power.

James L. Zackrison

— 12 min read
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South America: When States Pursue a Narcotic Agenda
Bolivians nurturing coca production: Since assuming the Presidency of Bolivia in 2005, Evo Morales has consolidated his political control over the Congress, judiciary and military, using his position as head of the cocalero federations and taking advantage of the indigenous rights groups and their political apparatus. As a result, he has gradually become the single focal point for political power in Bolivia. He controls the system which manages all political patronage, financed by coca leaf

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