Implementasi Kerjasama Merida Initiative Dalam Penanggulangan Peredaran Narkoba Ilegal Antara Amerika Dan Meksiko (2008-2019)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the implementation of the Merida Initiative cooperation between the United States and Mexico in combating illegal drug trafficking during the 2008-2019 period. This bilateral cooperation represents an effort to strengthen law enforcement, enhance judicial system capacity, and address transnational crime threats posed by drug cartels. The research employs liberal theory, along with concepts of bilateral cooperation and transnational crime. Using a qualitative descriptive method with a literature study approach, data was collected from secondary sources including journals, books, government reports, and official documents related to the Merida Initiative. The research subjects are the governments of the United States and Mexico, while the research object is the implementation of the Merida Initiative cooperation in combating illegal drug trafficking. The results indicate that the Merida Initiative successfully improved security coordination, cartel leader arrests, and drug seizures. However, challenges such as corruption, funding dependency, and cartels' technological adaptation reduced its effectiveness.