Fault Lines Episode 502: Sinking Cartels: The U.S. Takes on Narco-Traffickers
Sep 17, 2025
The hosts dive into U.S. military strikes against Venezuelan gang boats, marking a stark escalation in the drug war. They debate the effectiveness of preemptive military action versus traditional law enforcement. The discussion raises questions about America's security priorities amid global challenges from China and Russia. Additionally, they explore potential impacts on U.S.-Venezuela relations and regional stability, while considering the risks of undermining cooperation with neighboring countries in tackling drug trafficking.
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Military Escalation Against Drug Boats
- The Trump administration has escalated drug policy by authorizing deadly military strikes on suspected narcotics boats in the Caribbean.
- Officials justify this as defending U.S. national security against fentanyl and other illicit flows bound for the U.S.
Departure From Traditional Law Enforcement
- Les Munson argues preemptive military strikes on drug vessels depart from past law-enforcement partnership models.
- He doubts this approach will be more effective and worries about legal and international ramifications.
Fentanyl As A National Security Threat
- Jamil Jaffer frames fentanyl as an acute national security threat killing many Americans.
- He views military action as an extension of past executive measures used to prevent external threats to the homeland.