Military Implications of Designating Drug Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists: A Systematic Literature Review

The increasing convergence of drug cartels and terrorist organizations has prompted debates on the military implications of designating cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This systematic literature review investigates the diverse effects of such designations, with particular attention to their influence on military strategy, counterterrorism operations, and regional security dynamics. We analyze prior studies concerning the legal and policy structures that regulate terrorist classifications, the connection linking international criminal activity and terrorism, and the tactical difficulties encountered by armed forces when addressing blended dangers. The review notes an expanding corpus of research underscoring the twofold identity of cartels as both illicit businesses and entities resembling terrorist groups, thus making conventional military strategies more complex. From a methodological standpoint, we employ a systematic framework to examine scholarly articles, government reports, and empirical analyses, thereby achieving a thorough assessment of the subject matter. Research indicates that labeling cartels as FTOs or SDGTs could strengthen legal mechanisms for prosecution and disrupt their financial operations, but it also carries the potential to militarize policing and intensify violence in the impacted areas. Furthermore, the blurring of lines between counterterrorism and counternarcotics operations raises concerns about mission creep and human rights violations. The review finds a balanced method is essential, merging military, legal, and diplomatic approaches while tackling the underlying factors of cartel violence. This study contributes to ongoing policy discussions by critically assessing the trade-offs and unintended consequences of militarizing the fight against drug cartels.