In a heated debate, Sean McFate, a strategy professor and former Army officer, and Andrés Martínez-Fernández, a Latin America policy analyst, argue for using military force against drug cartels, likening them to quasi-states. Opposing them are Will Freeman, a CF resident fellow, and Aileen Teague, a former Marine, who highlight the risks of civilian casualties and the failure of militarization in past interventions. They advocate for diplomatic strategies and emphasize the need for effective demand reduction. The discussion navigates complex legal and ethical repercussions.