Coletta A. Youngers

About the Author

Coletta A. Youngers is a distinguished scholar and policy analyst with over three decades of experience examining the intersections of drug policy, democracy, and U.S. foreign relations in Latin America. Her groundbreaking research has illuminated the profound consequences of American drug enforcement strategies on regional stability and human rights, advocating for evidence-based reforms that prioritize public health over punitive measures. Drawing from extensive fieldwork and collaborations with international organizations, Youngers has influenced policy debates at the highest levels, including contributions to United Nations initiatives and congressional testimonies. A former director at the Washington Office on Latin America, she continues to write and lecture on sustainable alternatives to the war on drugs, emphasizing the need for cooperative, multilateral approaches to address transnational challenges.