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Significance
Security officials blame the spike in violence on the influence of drug trafficking organisations (DTOs), which have long transited the country but which increasingly are vying to control routes and markets within it.
Impacts
US officials will deepen cooperation with Costa Rica, particularly on addressing fentanyl trafficking.
Insecurity will not necessarily dissuade investors but could encourage more spending on private security.
The situation will present opportunities for a populist, security-focused candidate in the 2026 election.
Keywords:
Costa Rica,
LA/C,
Colombia,
Ecuador,
El Salvador,
Mexico,
United Nations,
United States,
economy,
industry,
politics,
social,
crime,
investment,
military,
narcotics,
police,
policy,
regional,
security,
tourism
© Oxford Analytica 2024. All rights reserved. This content contains general information about geopolitical, macroeconomic and social developments or (where stated) other matters. It does not contain advice or recommendations that may be relied on. Where links to external websites are provided, this does not indicate that Oxford Analytica or Emerald agree with, endorse or have checked for accuracy the contents of said sites.
2024
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