Did Colonization, Poverty, and U.S. Intervention Fuel Crime in Central American Countries and Beyond?

Central American countries, along with the Caribbean and the Philippines, are often painted as hotbeds of criminal activity. However, the root causes of this phenomenon are multifaceted and not solely attributable to the cultural legacies of Spain and Portugal. This article delves into how colonization, poverty, and the influence of the United States have contributed to the criminality observed in these regions.

Colonial Legacies and Crime Rates

Spain and Portugal have some of the lowest crime rates in the world. In stark contrast, Spain and Portugal’s former territories often exhibit higher rates of criminality. For example, Cuba and the Philippines, ruled by Spain, have lower crime rates compared to the United States and Canada. What’s more, Puerto Rico, which has been ruled by the United States since 1898, has higher crime rates.

It is important to note that contemporaneous Latin American countries, despite gaining independence, have not always fared better in terms of crime rates. These countries have their own unique histories and social dynamics that have contributed to their current state. The question remains: do Spanish and Portuguese cultural legacies have a direct link to increased criminality in these regions?

The Influence of the United States

The impact of American political influence and economic policies has played a significant role in fueling criminality in these regions. The United States' “war on drugs,” for instance, has inadvertently increased the demand for illegal substances and allowed cartels to thrive by smuggling these products into the United States and other countries. This approach has not only failed to reduce crime but has instead exacerbated it.

Moreover, the United States' political and economic dominance has led to the exploitation of weak nations. The U.S.'s relentless pursuit of cheap labor and raw materials has created artificial poverty and stimulated criminal mindsets. Weak governance, combined with the U.S.'s dumping of materialistic norms through media, has further eroded societal values, fostering a sense of depravity and dissatisfaction among the populace.

Artificial Poverty and the Drug Market

The U.S.'s influence manifests in various ways, including the creation of artificial poverty and the expansion of the drug market. The drug market in North America is enormous and far outstrips that of Spain and Portugal. The United States' consumption of drugs on a single state level dwarfs the consumption across entire continents. This massive market fuels criminal activities and narrows the opportunities for legitimate economic growth.

Furthermore, the brain drain in these regions exacerbates the problem. Talented individuals flee to better opportunities in the United States, further depriving the local economies of much-needed expertise and innovation.

Conclusion

While it is undeniable that the cultural legacies from Spain and Portugal have left an impact on former colonies, the bulk of the blame for current criminality in Central American countries, the Caribbean, and the Philippines lies with the United States. Poverty, U.S. intervention, and the relentless pursuit of short-term gains have created an environment ripe for criminal activity.

These nations need to take responsibility for their own development and address the root causes of criminality. However, the current state of affairs is largely influenced by the exploitative policies and actions of the United States, which continue to perpetuate a cycle of dependency and criminality.