Online NewsHour: Colombia's Civil War: U.S. Role

FOUNDATION FOR U.S.-COLOMBIAN RELATIONS
Colombia ranks as the third-largest recipient of U.S. aid, which is directed towards counter-narcotics programs exclusively.

But, before narcotics trafficking became the primary focus of U.S. policy in the region, Washington perceived Colombia as a part of its larger Latin American strategy.

Since the late 19th century, the U.S. was involved in Colombia to advance its other goals, such as supporting the revolt in Panama that lead to the construction of the canal the U.S. sought. Even into the early 1960's, historians argue U.S. policy towards Colombia was as much about preventing the spread of Cuban-style communism or promoting laissez-faire trade policies than it was about bilateral relations.