Marshall Poe

New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery

Marshall Poe

  • Alke Jenss, "Selective Security in the War on Drugs: The Coloniality of State Power in Colombia and Mexico" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023)

Alke Jenss, "Selective Security in the War on Drugs: The Coloniality of State Power in Colombia and Mexico" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2023)

Monday 18th March 2024

Explore how state power and economic interests shape the war on drugs in Colombia and Mexico with Alke Jenss on 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery.'
44 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Non-judgmental
Engaging
Educational

About this podcast

New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery
Author:
Marshall Poe
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Understanding Addiction & Recovery
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Unpacking State Power: The War on Drugs in Colombia and Mexico

Episode Overview

  • State power and economic interests often drive the war on drugs.
  • Neoliberal policies contribute to blurred lines between legal and illegal economies.
  • Selective security measures disproportionately affect marginalised populations.
  • State forces sometimes collaborate with criminal organisations.
  • Local communities strive to protect their land and rights amidst violence.
"The so-called war on drugs has often been used as a pretext for broader economic and political agendas."
In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery,' host Caleb Zackran chats with Alke Jenss, senior researcher at the Arnold Bergstrasser Institute in Freiburg. They dive into Jenss' latest book, 'Selective Security in the War on Drugs: The Coloniality of State Power in Colombia and Mexico.' This episode is a deep dive into the murky waters of the war on drugs, examining how state power and economic interests intersect to perpetuate violence and insecurity in Latin America.
Jenss shares her extensive research experience in Colombia and Mexico, highlighting the complex relationships between state institutions, paramilitary groups, and local communities. She argues that the so-called war on drugs has often been used as a pretext for broader economic and political agendas, rather than a genuine effort to curb illegal activities. Jenss explains how neoliberal policies and historical colonial practices have shaped the current landscape, leading to selective security measures that disproportionately affect marginalised populations.
The discussion touches on the blurred lines between legal and illegal economies, with Jenss providing examples of how state forces have sometimes collaborated with criminal organisations to maintain control. She also delves into the social impact of these policies, describing how local communities navigate the constant threat of violence while striving to protect their land and rights.
If you're interested in understanding the deeper socio-political dynamics behind the war on drugs, this episode offers a compelling look at how state power and economic interests can create a cycle of violence and insecurity. Jenss' insights provide a nuanced perspective that challenges conventional narratives, making this a must-listen for anyone keen on exploring the complexities of drug policy and state violence.
Don't miss out on this eye-opening conversation that sheds light on the often overlooked aspects of the war on drugs. It’s an episode that promises to leave you questioning what you thought you knew about state power and security in Latin America.