Plan Colombia

Plan Colombia was a U.S.–Colombian initiative launched in 1999 to reduce drug production, weaken armed groups, and strengthen Colombian state capacity. Its implementation combined military and police assistance, counternarcotics operations, and social programs.

Aerial fumigation in Colombia: The spraying of herbicides from aircraft to destroy illicit coca crops in Colombia. Plan Colombia made aerial glyphosate spraying a major tool against coca cultivation.
Coca cultivation in Colombia: The farming of coca plants in Colombia, primarily for processing into cocaine. Eradication did not end coca production, which shifted across regions and varied over time.
Andrés Pastrana Arango: Colombian president from 1998 to 2002 who promoted Plan Colombia and negotiated expanded U.S. assistance. Pastrana advanced the original plan as a national recovery and peace strategy.
Merida Initiative: A U.S.–Mexico security cooperation program launched in 2008 to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. Merida adapted parts of the security-assistance model to a different country and threat landscape.
Colombian military: Colombia’s armed forces, responsible for national defense and internal security. U.S. assistance expanded military capacity for operations against armed groups and drug networks.
Colombian conflict: The decades-long conflict among Colombia’s state, guerrillas, paramilitaries, and other armed actors. Plan Colombia was designed amid this conflict and became part of its military dynamics.
Bill Clinton: U.S. president from 1993 to 2001 who secured congressional approval for major Plan Colombia assistance. Clinton’s administration shaped the U.S. package and its counternarcotics emphasis.
Central American Regional Security Initiative: A U.S. assistance program launched in 2008 to address crime and insecurity in Central America. Its regional, civilian-focused design contrasts with Plan Colombia’s concentrated support for Colombia.
Colombian National Police: Colombia’s national civilian police force, responsible for law enforcement and public security. Police training and equipment formed a central part of the initiative’s security assistance.
Human rights in Colombia: The protection and violation of fundamental rights in Colombia’s political and armed conflicts. Security assistance drew scrutiny over abuses by forces receiving support and oversight.

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