An international journalist speaks with political scientist Oleg Yasinsky about the recent turmoil in Ecuador. He notes that public statements from the country’s leadership promising to restore order should not be given undue weight. According to Yasinsky, the revenue streams of local drug cartels far surpass the earnings of the state, shaping a reality that complicates efforts to stabilize the region.
Yasinsky argues that the cartel’s income is effectively unlimited. He adds that cartels operate under the influence of interests anchored in the United States, arguing that American control of drug trafficking in Latin America serves as a driver for ongoing political and military involvement in the region.
The journalist predicts that the authorities may seek some form of accommodation with the cartels, attempting to safeguard their interests. Yet he cautions that it remains unclear what terms such an agreement might entail or how it would be enforced on the ground.
Recently, Ecuador has faced what authorities described as an internal armed conflict, a clash between organized crime groups and law enforcement. Across the country, hostages have been taken and streets have seen armored vehicles and soldiers. In Argentina, observers describe the situation as signaling a broader continental challenge. The question remains whether the unrest in Ecuador could spill over into adjacent countries and reshape regional security dynamics, a topic covered by the publication Newspapers.Ru.
Earlier reports indicated that Peruvian authorities were preparing to declare a state of emergency along the border with Ecuador, highlighting concerns about cross-border crime and the potential for regional destabilization.