Abstract
This dissertation analyzes the formation, implementation, and evolution of Plan Colombia from 2000 to 2012. This work is an examination of U.S. foreign policy towards Colombia and uses theories and methods from International Relations Theory and Comparative Politics. This project answers the following questions: 1) Why did the U.S. pass Plan Colombia after de-ceritifying the country three years in a row; 2) What was Plan Colombia for Pastrana, and what was Plan Colombia for Clinton; 3) How did the goals of Plan Colombia change after the events of 9/11 and the inauguration of Alvaro Uribe; 4) Has Plan Colombia achieved its goals?; 5) Where is Plan Colombia today?; 6) What are the lessons of Plan Colombia? In sum, this work is divided into four puzzles or periods to examine the critical junctures or moments of Plan Colombia. While this work is a single-case study, it has broader lessons for other countries.