Targeting Narco-Submarine Networks

In virtually any armed conflict, there remains an individual or individuals who cannot - or will not - surrender to capture by legitimate public authority. Recognizing this reality, this study explores the need for targeted killing of key personnel engaged within the design and construction of undersea craft employed by Latin American cartels to smuggle illicit narcotics and other contraband towards the United States. Using network analysis, empirical judgment, structured debate, and analysis of competing hypotheses, this study concludes that present American strategy vis a vis the Colombian cartels has failed to stem the flow of drugs towards the U.S. and that targeted killing of key personnel engaged within the narco-submarine networks represents the paradigm shift required to regain strategic advantage in the war on drugs. A Masters of Arts Degree Thesis reprint.