WOLA on Plan Colombia's 10th anniversary: It's not a model
On July 13, 2000 – 10 years ago yesterday – President Bill Clinton signed into law a special $1.3 billion appropriation of mostly military aid to Colombia. Known as “Plan Colombia,” it became the framework for U.S. assistance to the hemisphere’s largest aid recipient for the following decade.
The Washington Office on Latin America commemorates this anniversary with a new online publication, “Don’t Call it a Model,” a copy of which is hosted here at the Just the Facts website.
U.S. and Colombian officials frequently portray Plan Colombia, combined with the Colombian government’s hardline security policies, as a major success. Some even cite Colombia’s experience as a model the United States should replicate in other troubled countries receiving U.S. assistance, like Mexico or Afghanistan. “Don’t Call it a Model” takes issue with that.
While the policy made important security gains, it argues, the downside has been great.
They [security successes] have carried a great cost in lives and resources. Progress on security has been stagnating, and even reversing. Scandals show that the government carrying out these security policies has harmed human rights and democratic institutions. Progress against illegal drug supplies has been disappointing. And wealth is being concentrated in ever fewer hands.
“Don’t Call it a Model” supports these claims with thorough documentation, and finishes by pointing out some of the principles that should guide a new policy. It’s worth a read.