YADIRA RODRIGUEZ 

I am a researcher and analyst of international affairs with a strong background in drug policy, terrorism, conflict resolution, immigration, and homeland security. I studied International Relations and have a master’s degree in International Security from the University of Denver in the United States.

 

I began researching drug policy issues in 2005 after I realized that my country of origin, Colombia, was the world's largest cocaine exporter. This increased my interest to understand the “War on Drugs” and how different countries are affected by drug consumption, production, and transit. In 2007, I wrote a thesis analyzing drug demand policies within the United Nations and the Organization of American States, among other international organizations.

 

In 2010, I worked with the Colombian government and contributed content and editorial support to various official publications. Those included economic studies to measure the government’s direct spending in drugs, the Colombian Drug Observatory’s actions and results book, and the Study of Drug Consumption in Scholars.

 

Additionally, I was in charge of analyzing U.S. bilateral cooperation regarding Plan Colombia and the effects on drug production in Colombia and other neighboring countries. This experience helped me decide to study U.S. Homeland Security and defense issues, including how the country fights terrorism and organized crime.

 

I gained deeper knowledge during my master’s degree and met personalities like General Jacoby, Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command and visited different federal agencies.  I view security as broad spectrum that goes beyond military issues, but seeks to protect Human Rights and civil liberties.