Assessing the Effectiveness of the War on Drugs in California

¶ … progress and status of the drug trade and the War on Drugs and how they have developed into threats to California by creating more economic issues in the state. It also discusses how unstable immigration and border policies and an inappropriate approach strongly contribute to the spread and intensifying of the threats. The paper uses the intelligence liaison process as a methodology. This process consists of juxtaposing strong international relational theories, diverse methods of data collection and analysis, and conclusions as well as a comparison of conclusions with existing theories.

Findings reveal that the drug trade and the War on Drugs have produced economic imbalance in resources among decision-makers; laxity and instability of immigration and border policies between Mexico and California; and the need to change the single-front policy on narco-terrorism to several policies in order to address multiple aspects. Recommendations include a general uplifting of values and participation of the citizens of Mexico in government.

Introduction The history that runs between California and Mexico is one riddled with blood, both then and now, dating back to the 19th century and stretching into today's climate. The border that they share has elicited a certain number of conditions that have created an indelible impact on political and social realities. This paper will focus on the terrorism that has evolved from the drug trade and the War on Drugs.

The War on Drugs, as well-meaning yet imperfect as it is, has ironically contributed to the spread of narco-terrorism and gang warfare, and it is important to determine just how exactly it has. The reality is that issues in border security, globalization and simple economics emanate from the prevalence of the drug trade as a whole. This paper will attempt to deconstruct the total security outlook for California. That outlook will cover all border issues with Mexico.

And this will be via a thorough perusal of its relationship with California and the results of their shared border and ethnic makeup. The central research endeavor of this paper is to discuss ways by which the drug trade and the War on Drugs have posed a terror threat to the state of California. These are by exacerbating its economic problems and failing to stabilize both immigration and border policies, and through a misguided approach to the trafficking of illegal drugs.

This paper will draw a clear connection all these areas towards making self-evident and workable recommendations. Purpose Statement This research will examine the overlap between intelligence liaison and effective data analysis in better understanding the relationship between them. There must be a strong methodology to identify, apply and evaluate dominant theories in political science. A simpler and clearer understanding of "intelligence liaison" is thus essential. It will establish the level of accountability and project probable complications (Svendson, 2009).

This paper seeks to explore the major pillars of this theory via the relevance of other international relations theories to it. It will also identify the function of "complex co-existence plurality" as applied to "intelligence liaison" theories (Svendson, 2009). A major premise is that any knowledge claims about politics must employ a precise set of criteria for evaluation. If science will be used to evaluate, these criteria must test these claims (Moore, 2001). Hence, undertaking something as intricate and nebulous as terrorism requires a thorough understanding of the intelligence liaison concept.

It is a critical guide to research. Terrorism incites much fear and immobility. The collective material, physical and emotional aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent anthrax mailings demand reflective analysis and that level of understanding of both the theory and the concept. What is the nature of this kind of terrorism? What conditions created it?" (HM, 2002). A closer scrutiny must go hand-in-hand with effective data analysis. A more nuanced understanding of the methods used and needed revisions of the work is likewise required (Grosshans, 1992).

This paper, therefore, seeks to employ the most appropriate methodology in tackling this issue. Alongside, it will take note of weakness in the gathered data that may create a negative impact on the conclusion (Grosshans, 1992). Most importantly, a strong commitment to high-quality data in conducting the best analyses and in reaching the most accurate conclusions is assured. Methods Description and Process The first step in this process is minimizing the complexities of the intelligence liaison process.

This can be achieved if people are better able to think analytically and empirically, particularly when it comes to terrorism. One needs to be more heavily cognizant about how these issues flow counter to each other. These issues are remarkably distinct and different. They also assert profound impact on the issues at large: "They descend from the more macro 'ideological' and 'theoretical', through 'strategy' and 'policy' to the more micro 'operational' and 'tactical.' Finally, it flows down to the 'individual' (as 'professional') and 'personal' levels" (Svendson, 2009).

Thus, in order to explore intelligence liaison more completely and coherently, there needs to be two dominant international relations theories to this concept. They will explain the inherent duality present within the concept. They will better explain the distinct level of activity at distinct moments in time, allowing intelligence liaison and its underlying dynamics to be better understood. The paper will examine how two of the most dominant theories in international relations best apply to intelligence liaison and terrorism as a whole. Take realism as an illustration.

Realism focuses on survival and self-help will help illuminate parts of the dynamics that underscore this concept. On the other hand, examining something as diametrically opposite as constructivism can also assist in a more nuanced understanding of properly executed and manifested intelligence liaison. Constructivism, for example, deals with the definition of ideas within the structure. It also includes its impact on the identities of the state. It, therefore, juxtaposes against the realist perspective in that international reality is viewed as socially manifested.

It implies that terrorism is socially manifested as well. Moreover, in this case, the data collection method needs to be focused on interviewing participants who have numerous years of experience in the field of intelligence liaisons. Since the concept of intelligence liaisons is widely distinct, a large sample needs to be gathered and consist of professionals. They are those who feel as though they have a wealth of experience in this arena in some way.

This will allow a diversity of data to be collected so that higher levels of illumination will be shed on this concept as a whole. Such an approach to data collection, however, will mean that data analysis will be more complicated and challenging. Certain intermediate results need to be observed. Common mistakes need to be carefully avoided to preserve the validity of the conclusion (Grosshans, 2011). "This is not just verifying the completeness of the data and the accuracy of the calculations but also maintaining the logic of the analysis.

This is more so because the avoidance of pitfalls is both a science and an art. Balancing the analytic alternatives calls for the exercise of considerable judgment" (Grosshans, 2011). As Grosshans explains, when observations demonstrate a wide range of values, it can be tricky to describe the results or to assuage values to them (Grosshans, 2011). This will no doubt be exacerbated when it comes to analyzing the data gathered from interviewing such professionals.

They are all likely to express a full range of perspectives on what intelligence liaison is, how they've used it, how it best functions and what the future is likely to be. This suggests the need for wide categories in place for determining the grounds on which to assess the data according to all these distinctions. Ideally, once the data is collected and analyzed, conclusions need to be drawn. These conclusions will have to be juxtaposed against some of the most dominant theories in the field.

The theories used, such as realism or constructivism, need to be evaluated, based on their ability to develop a hypothesis. That will make it consistent with current evidence (Moore, 2001). Ideally, conclusions, which resonate with theories that have more general themes and tenets, are more likely to be considered a good fit than if they did not (Moore, 2001). In conclusion, the methods involved in determining how to understand best and research intelligence liaison as they exist within the field of international relations are important.

The following steps must be in place: two strong international relations theories to juxtapose, diverse methods of data collection and analysis, along with the ability to draw conclusions and compare those conclusions to currently existing theories. Ideally, this research will attempt to shed light on the truly nuanced arena of intelligence liaison by gathering perspectives from those who have worked in that field for many years. Literature Review The goals of this particular research paper have long been the focus of other researchers, experts and academics.

For example, the research study, "Narcoterrorism: The Merger of the War on Drugs and the War on Terror" by Emma Bjornehed, attempts to assess the realities of narco-terrorism and the practical measures employed to counter the threat at-large. This research harnesses the crime-terror continuum created by Tamara Makarenko (2004, 129). It also showcases certain similarities and dissimilarities of narcotics trafficking and terrorism as a means of offering a more intricate perspective on the concept of narco-terrorism.

In this manner, the article will evaluate the perspective on the concept of narco-terrorism and create a new approach in dealing with this issue. One of the strengths of this research is pinpointing the harm of transferring resources from the War on Drugs to the war on terror. This leaves many people in the anti-drug campaign largely unprotected. Bjornehed (2004) capably explains how the needed balance needs and may be achieved.

A too strong focus on narco terrorism will not contribute to any total victory in either the war on drugs or the war on terror and an effort should be made to include all areas of anti-drug and anti-terrorism measures to achieve the long-term objective of minimizing these threats. The journal article, "Transnational Terror and Organized Crime: Blurring the Lines" by Thomas M. Sanderson, looks at how the global war on terrorism has constricted the flow of financial support to terrorists (2004).

As a consequence, terrorists moved deeper into activities of organized crime. This research looks at how terrorist groups are becoming closer partners with organized crime syndicates and how these threats to the U.S. And to other countries becomes more and more aggravated. Sanderson (2004) discourses on a "lethal cocktail," a mix of one part criminal, one part terrorist, and one part corrupt state. The collaboration presents as a truly formidable challenge to America and to global interests.

It requires greater adaptability on the part of law enforcement in responding to their tactics (Sanderson, 2004). This research consistently and powerfully demonstrates how much improvement is necessary to law enforcement in the fight against these threats. Law enforcement simply has to adapt its tactics to the threats in convergence and separately. Similarly, in "Links Between Terrorism and Drug Trafficking: A Case of Narco-Terrorism?," Alex Schmid (2004) explores the connection between terrorism and drug trafficking.

At the same time, he describes some of the more compelling evidence on the simultaneous presence of armed conflict and terrorism with the cultivation and processing of narcotic drugs. Interestingly enough, Schmid (2004) rejects the connection and convergence between terrorist groups and organized crime. Instead, he explores the reasons …which might tempt and restrain groups of one type to establishing connections with groups of a significantly different mindset.

He finds that the 'in-house' development of organized crime activities by terrorist organizations is a more imminent problem than a close alliance or convergence of organized crime and terrorist organizations. This paper aptly recommends that the Palermo Convention against Transnational Organized Crime be harnessed more effectively. This is to prevent terrorist organizations from gaining financial resources that are necessary to launch and maintain terrorist campaigns (Schmid, 2004). The Narcoterrorism policy of the United-States (Dolan, 2005) acknowledges how drug trafficking has become a more aggravated source of funding for terrorist organizations.

It furthermore recognizes how this led to the merging of U.S. policies against drugs and terrorism. This merger, in turn, produced remarkable contingency factors. As a result, a relatively coherent nexus now exists between the United States' antinarcotics and antiterrorist policies. Thus, Dolan attempts to explain the contingency factors that evolved from this convergence (2005). At the same time, his work offers an analytical perspective on the U.S. narco-terrorism policy and its repercussions. Essentially, while all of Dolan's assessments are solid, they do not provide sufficient actionable intelligence.

This paper also examines the research conclusions that were reached by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in the article, "The Threat Posed from the Convergence of Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Terrorism" by Frank Cilluffo. It focuses on how the war on drugs has driven America to confront the real threats posed by terrorist groups and comparable organizations in an unconstructive manner. Cilluffo (2000) emphasizes that: The major tactical shift that needs to occur in combating organized crime and terrorism is a move to a 'campaign' strategy.

As with any campaign, and articulation of objectives, interests, and goals are required. All aspects of the effort need to be coordinated with these points in mind. Cillufo (2000) recognizes how focusing on individual busts has created a situation where low-level participants fill prisons with a negligible impact on the industry. Cillufo pushes for a 'string them along' approach, rather than a 'string them up' approach. The latter requires a higher level of interagency cooperation along with massive adjustments within the culture of law enforcement.

Interestingly, Cillufo argues that: Part of the solution is strengthening the domestic legal institutions.