The war on drugs is not fought exclusively within the borders of the United States. The American government frequently focuses its efforts on nations such as Colombia, where much of the world’s illegal drugs are produced. In July 2000, Congress authorized a $1.3 billion foreign aid package named “Plan Colombia.” The funds went primarily toward military aid, including purchasing sixty attack helicopters, training Colombian soldiers, and establishing anti-drug operations throughout South America. Many critics of America’s drug control policies contend that Plan Colombia has worsened the lives of Colombians.

One of the charges leveled against the plan is that it benefits a military that mistreats Colombia’s citizenry. According to Sharon Fratepietro, writing for the Humanist, the Colombian army is beset by numerous human rights violations and is reportedly tied to drug trafficking. She argues “By...