Cooperation and Conflict in the US-Caribbean Drug Connection

Abstract

The connection between the United States and CARICOM states in relation to drugs has been characterized by both conflict and cooperation. By and large, cooperation has been the dominant element. This cooperation has derived from both recognition among Caricom élites of coincidence of interests with the United States in the ‘war against drugs’ as well as pressure on Caribbean governments from successive American administrations. It is this latter dimension which has exacerbated conflict and, from time to time, contributed to strains in US-Caribbean relations. These strains in turn reflect somewhat differing evaluations of the relevance of traditional concepts of sovereignty in the context of contemporary realities as well as divergent assessments of the main threat of Caribbean sovereignty — transnational drug cartels or assertions of US power.