This week, Kelly talks with International Crisis Group Analyst Elizabeth Dickinson about the surge in cartel-driven violence in Colombia and how USAID cuts have impacted the country. Elizabeth discusses how criminal groups have filled the vacuum left by FARC's demobilization in 2016, leading to the highest coca cultivation levels in Colombia's history and a surge in political instability that is testing the country's democratic institutions.

Elizabeth Dickinson has been Crisis Group’s Senior Analyst for Colombia since 2019, based in Bogotá. Her work centers around armed conflict dynamics in the country, organised crime, military strategy, and the implementation of the 2016 peace accord between the Colombian government and militant guerrillas. She leads ongoing work around defence strategy reform and regional drug trafficking. Prior to joining International Crisis Group, Elizabeth worked for a decade as a journalist, including roles at Foreign Policy magazine, The National and The Economist.

The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity.

Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.

Recorded on July 9, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world.

Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

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Preview / True West / Betsy Gaines Quammen