he Trump administration is taking the War on Drugs in a bold direction, using aircraft carriers, intelligence networks, and direct military strikes to target alleged smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Supporters of militarization argue that previous strategies to stop cartels have failed, and only aggressive deterrence will stop the crisis. Others warn that militarization usually fails to stop drug flows, risking civilian casualties, and rarely achieves lasting results. Now we debate: Should the U.S. Militarize the War on Drugs? 

Arguing Yes: 

Sean McFate, Author and Professor of Strategy at the National Defense University and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service 

Andrés Martínez-Fernández, Senior Policy Analyst for Latin America at The Heritage Foundation's Allison Center for National Security 

Arguing No:  

Will Freeman, Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations 

Aileen Teague, Assistant Professor of International Affairs at Texas A&M University's Bush School of Government and Public Service 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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