Bolivia revives anti-drug alliance after nearly 18-year break with US
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
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Bolivia has made a significant move by resuming its collaboration with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) after an 18-year hiatus. This shift marks a major change in the country's foreign policy, initiated by President Rodrigo Paz, who sought to rebuild diplomatic ties with the US. The decision comes as Bolivia faces economic challenges and looks to attract international investment, particularly in key sectors like energy and lithium.
The break between Bolivia and the DEA began under former President Evo Morales, who expelled all DEA agents in 2008. Morales accused the US of using drug enforcement efforts to influence Latin American countries politically. His government relied on support from rural areas where coca cultivation is a vital economic activity. Despite these tensions, Bolivia continued its role as a significant producer of coca, a key ingredient in cocaine,
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026