Drug Trafficking and Politics: Structuring and Adaptation of Organized Crime in Bolivia's Last Authoritarian Decade (1971-1982)core
NARCOPOLITICS · Horizon Europe grant · 2025-06-01–2028-04-30
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01 · scheme HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-GF · topic HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01-01. CORDIS record →
Objective
NARCOPOLITICS aims to enhance our understanding of the global dynamics linking drug trafficking and political power through the case study of Bolivia between 1971 and 1982. During this period, Bolivia became a pivotal player in drug trafficking due to its extensive coca plantations, the Santa Ana cartel led by Roberto Suarez Gómez, and persistent ties between drug smugglers and political institutions ruled by the military, aligned with the National Security Doctrine.Adopting a long-term historical perspective and considering organized crime as a significant Cold War non-state actor, NARCOPOLITICS has three objectives: examining the role of drug traffickers in Bolivia's political developments and their adaptability to changes in the national and regional context; identifying the political conditions under which the Santa Ana cartel intersected with political and ideological spheres and assessing the consequences; and analyzing and comparing measures—both official and unofficial including operations of security agencies—taken by the three US administrations during this period, examining the long-term impact of the “war on drugs.”The research methodology combines recently opened archival documents and judiciary sources from different countries, providing a comprehensive narrative and analysis. This approach aims to address issues such as difficulty in identifying involved actors and ensuring data reliability.The rise of state-narco networks in countries like Mexico, Guinea-Bissau and Afghanistan highlights the urgent need for comprehensive research and policy responses. Understanding the historical context and evolution of drug-influenced states, as exemplified by Bolivia's experience, can provide critical insights into addressing these modern challenges.The Fellowship will benefit my career prospects, equipping me with new skills, knowledge, and specialized training, placing me at the forefront of my field as an established interdisciplinary researcher.
Beneficiaries (3)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIVERSITA CA' FOSCARI VENEZIA | IT | coordinator | €384,484 | |
| UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH | US | associatedPartner | — | |
| UNIVERSIDAD MAYOR DE SAN ANDRES | BO | associatedPartner | — |
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