The Boat Strikes: Drug Trafficking, Military Engagement, and the Law
Dec 4, 2025 3:00pm ET
Carrie Cordero
Robert M. Gates Senior Fellow and General Counsel
Chimène Keitner
Homer G. Angelo and Ann Berryhill Professor of Law and Director of the Center for International Law and Policy, UC Davis School of Law
Matthew C. Waxman
Liviu Librescu Professor of Law, Columbia Law School
Carrie Cordero
Robert M. Gates Senior Fellow and General Counsel
Chimène Keitner
Homer G. Angelo and Ann Berryhill Professor of Law and Director of the Center for International Law and Policy, UC Davis School of Law
Matthew C. Waxman
Liviu Librescu Professor of Law, Columbia Law SchoolJoin the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) on Thursday December 4, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. ET, for a conversation on the law governing U.S. military action related to international drug trafficking.
Since early September, the U.S. military has reportedly conducted strikes in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean against over 20 boats alleged to be trafficking narcotics to the United States. According to news reports, over 80 individuals have been killed in these strikes thus far. Targeted U.S. military activities outside the context of a recognized military engagement present important questions of executive power, congressional prerogatives, and domestic and international law.
On Thursday, December 4, CNAS will host a virtual conversation with Senior Fellow Carrie Cordero, Professor Chimène Keitner of UC Davis School of Law, and Professor Matthew Waxman of Columbia Law School. Their conversation will provide expert analysis of the relevant domestic and international law questions related to the recent strikes, the U.S. government’s move towards a military instead of a law enforcement framework for countering drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere, and potential expansion of associated military activities.
Live viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions during the discussion.
