Open To Debate: Should the U.S. Militarize the War on Drugs?

Twenty-two boats allegedly smuggling drugs have been struck in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, with the justification of protecting Americans and the border, but are new calls for military action the solution?

In front of an audience at the Council on Foreign Relations — a group that knows its stuff when it comes to foreign affairs -- Open to Debate took on the brewing conflict in the sea to America’s south: President Trump’s military moves against drug trafficking, alleged to be coming out of Venezuela. Since September, he’s had the U.S. military using missiles to blow Venezuelan small boats out of the water (and killing most of those onboard) when these boats are supposedly running drugs destined for the U.S. market.

Opinion is divided on this.

Supporters of the president’s moves argue this escalation in military action is not only justified, but long overdue, given the resilience of the drug networks whose illegal imports of narcotics into the U.S. are responsible for thousands of deaths. But skeptics see plenty wrong with this new direction, from its debatable legality to unintended consequences such as the risk of even greater violence and destabilization for nearby countries, some of which are U.S. allies. It’s also argued that the real issue isn’t fighting supply, but curbing demand.

Ultimately, the debate highlights a broader tension in U.S. drug policy: whether a harder military edge can deliver meaningful results, or whether long-term progress depends more on diplomacy, governance reforms, and reducing domestic demand.

Open to Debate addresses a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. 

"We are the nation's only nonpartisan, debate-driven media organization dedicated to bringing multiple viewpoints together for a constructive, balanced, respectful exchange of ideas. Open to Debate is a platform for intellectually curious and open-minded individuals to engage with others who hold opposing views on complex issues. We know debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audience changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate."

 

Debate works to find common ground: On average, 32% of the Open to Debate audiences changes their mind on contentious topics after hearing a debate. That’s the power of debate done right, and at scale, it can change the direction we’re headed in America. Open to Debate is broadcast as a weekly public radio program, carried on NPR stations, including WNYC (#1 in the nation). Open To Debate won Best Podcast Of The Year in the 2025 Ear Worthy Awards.

Open to Debate is made available as a podcast, video series, and digital platform, and records episodes with live audiences nationwide. Visit opentodebate.org to become a member, access an archive of more than 220 debates, and attend live events.