United States drug policy has historically been structured to control the flow of drugs into our country.  Since the 1980's the federal government has been waging a 'war on drugs', with zero tolerance, prohibitionist policies enacted to protect the country from the growing spread of drug use.  The campaign has been oriented to 'protect our children from drugs', but the government's focus has been outside our borders.   Not only has the 'war on drugs' failed to reduce the illegal drug use in the United States, but it has also violated basic human rights and jeopardized the sovereignty of the autonomous nations we deal with.  In particular, the federal government has enacted legislation that is used to 'certify' countries based upon their yearly support for the 'war on drugs'.  The consequences of this type of legislation is that foreign countries are losing the ability to govern themselves and initiate their own domestic policies regarding drugs and drug use.  In examining the international effects of our domestic 'war on drugs', we will look into U.S.- Mexican Relations, and the implications for the government and people of Mexico. 

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