The War on Drugs
Introduction
Since the September 11 attack, the United States of America has been at war with enemies intending to attack its homeland and destroying its way of life. The United States citizens face risks ranging from terrorism, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, and diseases. The threat caused by these disasters has forced the Federal government to recognize efforts that address a full range of potentially catastrophic events. Therefore, it is against the background of this case that this article seeks to examine the strategic plan of the department of homeland security, with specific emphasis on securing the United States borders and approaches. Moreover, this article explores the contemporary threats and risks associated with the drug war and how this risk makes the country’s security vulnerable.
Thesis Statement
The department of homeland security’s strategic plan, with specific emphasis on securing the United States borders and approaches.
Drug War
The war on drugs in the United States has produced a national system of combined policing, whereby the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies collaborate and conduct operations. Homeland security conducts border search and seizure activities, which contribute to the country’s security. These searchers are operations of war on drugs, and necessary given the risks posed by traveling people and other entities entering the country. Homeland security activities also help protect the United States citizens against smuggling of weapons and other illicit materials to conform to the second goal of the agency, which includes securing the United States border and approaches (McElreath et al., 2013). Therefore, the issue concerning the war on drugs and homeland security in securing borders is imperative towards the benefit and overall good of American society.
Issues which must be addressed to resolve homeland security vulnerability
Homeland Security plays a significant role in implementing comprehensive border security approaches to secure and maintain the country’s borders. Such functions include enforcing and overseeing proper administration of immigration benefits, intercepting, and preventing foreign threats (Homeland Security). In the 21st century, regional conflict and economic instability have increased the prevalence of illicit trade, posing a risk to the United States and abroad. In particular, criminal organizations have capitalized on these foreign conflicts and instability to expand its operations for smuggling illegal drugs (White, 2012). These threats and risks demand the need for combined partnership between federal and local enforcement agencies in expanding effort to enhance screening and dismantle the transnational criminal network.
Constitutional Issue
Given the mounting global economic and political instability that the department of homeland security faces in the war against drugs, the United States cannot afford to have a dysfunctional legislature. King & Council on Foreign Relations (2010), notes that it is essential to understand the internal and external sources of dysfunction, and how it affects the national security role of the Congress. As a supportive partner of the homeland security, Congress must champion for economic reforms and foreign and diplomatic policies which can help restore political stability. Such reforms are vital in improving the United States image globally while increasing its capacity for the war on drugs.
Research Questions
- How does the foreign political instability affect the department of homeland security goal of the war on drugs?
- How do economic challenges contribute to the rise in illicit trade and drug trafficking?
- What are the suitable measures used to minimize threats and vulnerabilities the department of homeland security faces in the fight against drugs?
Importance
Political and economic turmoil experienced by countries surrounding the United States has posed a global threat to security. Economically deprived individuals departing civil conflicts in their home countries have attempted to exploit pathways into the United States. Some of these individuals engage in illicit activities such as drug smuggling to improve their living standards (Homeland Security). Therefore, there is a need for the department of homeland security to develop a suitable approach that can increase the war on drugs.