To what extent did Pablo Escobar’s actions influence Colombia to this day?
Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria (December 1, 1949 to December 2, 1993 was a Columbian drug lord and leader of the Medellin Cartel, who at his peak, controlled more than 80% of the international cocaine trade. Escobar entered the cocaine trade in the early 1970s and became famous for waging war against the Columbian government, as well as ordering the assassinations of thousands of individuals including police officers, journalists, high ranking officials and politicians . However, he was also well known for his charitable qualities, investing large sums of money into such public works as the construction of schools, sporting fields and housing developments for the poor. Whilst portrayed as a terrorist and Villain by Columbian officials and the U.S., many among the Columbian lower class admired him as a magnanimous patron for his charitable works. This will examine Pablo Escobar’s influence and impact towards Columbia, examining Colombia before, during and after his reign, comparing each time period with each other to conclude that Escobar not only had an influence on his own country, but a major influence internationally. …show more content…
Its vast geographic features have always posed a challenge for the government, with the rough mountainous terrain of the Andes and inhospitable jungle that isolate the nation, making communication, transportation and law enforcement particularly difficult. Additionally, Colombia serves as a central pathway between South and Central America and has access to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Its geographic location in juxtaposition with its historically weak government and little law enforcement in remote areas made it easily susceptible to the criminal activities, including banditry and contraband smuggling, that run rampant throughout the
Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria (December 1, 1949 to December 2, 1993 was a Columbian drug lord and leader of the Medellin Cartel, who at his peak, controlled more than 80% of the international cocaine trade. Escobar entered the cocaine trade in the early 1970s and became famous for waging war against the Columbian government, as well as ordering the assassinations of thousands of individuals including police officers, journalists, high ranking officials and politicians . However, he was also well known for his charitable qualities, investing large sums of money into such public works as the construction of schools, sporting fields and housing developments for the poor. Whilst portrayed as a terrorist and Villain by Columbian officials and the U.S., many among the Columbian lower class admired him as a magnanimous patron for his charitable works. This will examine Pablo Escobar’s influence and impact towards Columbia, examining Colombia before, during and after his reign, comparing each time period with each other to conclude that Escobar not only had an influence on his own country, but a major influence internationally. …show more content…
Its vast geographic features have always posed a challenge for the government, with the rough mountainous terrain of the Andes and inhospitable jungle that isolate the nation, making communication, transportation and law enforcement particularly difficult. Additionally, Colombia serves as a central pathway between South and Central America and has access to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Its geographic location in juxtaposition with its historically weak government and little law enforcement in remote areas made it easily susceptible to the criminal activities, including banditry and contraband smuggling, that run rampant throughout the