The Intelligence from The Economist Redrawing the lines: cocaine policy in Latin America
Oct 20, 2022
Emma Hogan, an editor at The Economist, discusses Colombia's transformative drug policies amid the ongoing failures of the war on drugs. She highlights a shift towards decriminalizing coca leaf production and engaging with criminal organizations. Tom Wainwright, technology editor, tackles Meta’s battle with declining user numbers and the challenges of launching the metaverse. He emphasizes that while the metaverse is a gamble for Meta, the real risk lies in the waning interest of its traditional user base. Plus, explore the quirky dynamics of electric scooters in London!
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War on Drugs Fails
- The war on drugs has been costly and ineffective, with cocaine production at record highs.
- Some Latin American leaders, like Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, advocate for policy changes.
Interview with Petro
- Emma Hogan interviewed President Petro in New York during the UN General Assembly.
- Petro, a former M19 guerrilla member, presents a more casual style than other heads of state.
Limited Impact
- Petro's proposed changes, like decriminalizing coca leaf, are limited in their impact on illegal gangs.
- Legal coca production in Peru and Bolivia hasn't stopped illegal production or cocaine trafficking.