Merchant of Death
Money, Guns, Planes, and the Man Who Makes War Possible

Blood from Stones

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Reviews/
Press Releases

Our latest peer reviewed publication-a comparative analysis of the MS-13 in Central America and the PCC in Brazil, arguing that they should no longer be considered gangs but community embedded transnational armed groups,
Our latest peer reviewed publication-a comparative analysis of the MS-13 in Central America and the PCC in Brazil, arguing that they should no longer be considered gangs but community embedded transnational armed groups
May 24, 2022

Our latest publication in Strategic Perspectives at INSS, National Defense University: The PRC's Changing Strategy in Latin America: From Soft Power to Sharp Power Competition,
Our latest publication in Strategic Perspectives at INSS, National Defense University: The PRC's Changing Strategy in Latin America: From Soft Power to Sharp Power Competition
October 21, 2021

Douglas Farah on "Café Con Voz" discussing Albanisa/Alba Petróleos and Central American corruption,
Douglas Farah on "Café Con Voz" discussing Albanisa/Alba Petróleos and Central American corruption
August 12, 2021

Iran in Latin America: Malign Alliances, "Super Spreaders," and Alternative Narratives, from a Strategic Perspective published by National Defense University IISS,
Iran in Latin America: Malign Alliances, "Super Spreaders," and Alternative Narratives, from a Strategic Perspective published by National Defense University IISS
June 14, 2021

InSight Crime on "How to Make a Billion Dollars Disappear",
InSight Crime on "How to Make a Billion Dollars Disappear"
September 25, 2020

IBI Consultants report "How to Make a Billion Dollars Disappear," cited in El Nuevo Herald (Miami),
IBI Consultants report "How to Make a Billion Dollars Disappear," cited in El Nuevo Herald (Miami)
September 15, 2020

Spanish language Version (Versión en español) of How to Make a Billion Dollars Disappear (Como hacer desaparecer mil millones de dólares),
Spanish language Version (Versión en español) of How to Make a Billion Dollars Disappear (Como hacer desaparecer mil millones de dólares)
September 15, 2020

"How to Make A Billion Dollars Disappear," a new study by IBI Consultants on the ties illicit networks in the Bukele administration in El Salvador, focusing on the Alba Petróleos/PDVSA structure under the leadership of José Luis Merino (Comandante Ramiro),
"How to Make A Billion Dollars Disappear," a new study by IBI Consultants on the ties illicit networks in the Bukele administration in El Salvador, focusing on the Alba Petróleos/PDVSA structure under the leadership of José Luis Merino (Comandante Ramiro)
September 14, 2020

Study for the Atlantic Council: The Maduro Regime's Illicit Activities: A Threat to Democracy and Security in Latin America,
Study for the Atlantic Council: The Maduro Regime's Illicit Activities: A Threat to Democracy and Security in Latin America
August 13, 2020

New C4ADS and IBI Consultants report of shipping Venezuelan oil in times of "maximum pressure cited by the Associated Press,
New C4ADS and IBI Consultants report of shipping Venezuelan oil in times of "maximum pressure cited by the Associated Press
July 13, 2020

Joint report by C4ADS and IBI Consultants: Staying Afloat: Shipping Networks in the Wake of U.S. Sanctions on Venezuela,
Joint report by C4ADS and IBI Consultants: Staying Afloat: Shipping Networks in the Wake of U.S. Sanctions on Venezuela
July 13, 2020

Douglas Farah/IBI Consultants Quoted in the Washington Post,
Douglas Farah/IBI Consultants Quoted in the Washington Post
June 10, 2020

Douglas Farah featured on the first OAS Department Against Transnational Organized Crime Webinar (English and Spanish),
Douglas Farah featured on the first OAS Department Against Transnational Organized Crime Webinar (English and Spanish)
May 15, 2020

Douglas Farah on "Two Gringos With Questions" Podcast,
Douglas Farah on "Two Gringos With Questions" Podcast
April 24, 2020

New Piece in Global Americans: Turmoil in the Western Hemisphere,
New Piece in Global Americans: Turmoil in the Western Hemisphere
April 16, 2020

Turmoil in the Western Hemisphere: The Role of the Bolivarian Joint Criminal Enterprise in Latin America's Unrest (William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, National Defense University),
Turmoil in the Western Hemisphere: The Role of the Bolivarian Joint Criminal Enterprise in Latin America's Unrest (William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, National Defense University)
March 27, 2020

The End of the CICIG Era: Outcomes, Challenges and Lessons Learned,
The End of the CICIG Era: Outcomes, Challenges and Lessons Learned
March 6, 2020

"Bolivia: Silent Partner in the Bolivarian Joint Criminal Enterprise: Evo Morales, the MAS and Regional Destabilization," Interamerican Institute for Democracy, October 2019,
"Bolivia: Silent Partner in the Bolivarian Joint Criminal Enterprise: Evo Morales, the MAS and Regional Destabilization," Interamerican Institute for Democracy, October 2019
September 24, 2019

Launch of "Maduro's Last Stand" at CSIS (Video),
Launch of "Maduro's Last Stand" at CSIS (Video)
May 23, 2019

Maduro's Last Stand: Venezuela's Survival Through the Bolivarian Joint Criminal Enterprise,
Maduro's Last Stand: Venezuela's Survival Through the Bolivarian Joint Criminal Enterprise
May 23, 2019

The Miami Herald on "Maduro's Last Stand.",
The Miami Herald on "Maduro's Last Stand."
May 16, 2019

Washington Post cites IBI Consultants report "Maduro's Last Stand.",
Washington Post cites IBI Consultants report "Maduro's Last Stand."
May 12, 2019

Maduro's Last Stand En Español,
Maduro's Last Stand En Español
May 3, 2019

Douglas Farah and Caitlyn Yates in NDU's Strategic Perspectives: El Salvador's Recognition of the PRC: A Regional Context,
Douglas Farah and Caitlyn Yates in NDU's Strategic Perspectives: El Salvador's Recognition of the PRC: A Regional Context
March 13, 2019

PRISM Journal of Complex Operations, NDU Press: Extra-Regional Actors in Latin America: The United States is not the Only Game in Town,
PRISM Journal of Complex Operations, NDU Press: Extra-Regional Actors in Latin America: The United States is not the Only Game in Town
March 11, 2019

A Strategic Overview of Latin America: Identifying New Convergence Centers, Forgotten Territories, and Vital Hubs for Transnational Organized Crime,
A Strategic Overview of Latin America: Identifying New Convergence Centers, Forgotten Territories, and Vital Hubs for Transnational Organized Crime
January 30, 2019

Douglas Farah interviewed by Moisés Naim on Efecto Naim,
Douglas Farah interviewed by Moisés Naim on Efecto Naim
January 27, 2019

The MS 13 Transnational Gang in Honduras and El Salvador: A Growing Tier One Threat ,
The MS 13 Transnational Gang in Honduras and El Salvador: A Growing Tier One Threat
March 23, 2018

Cuba's Role in the Bolivarian Radical Populist Movements and the Dismantling of Democracy,
Cuba's Role in the Bolivarian Radical Populist Movements and the Dismantling of Democracy
February 15, 2018

My latest on the evolution of the MS 13 gang in El Salvador and Honduras, based on recent fieldwork.,
My latest on the evolution of the MS 13 gang in El Salvador and Honduras, based on recent fieldwork.
September 18, 2017

Testimony of Douglas Farah Before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control: Adapting U.S. Counternarcotics Efforts in Colombia,
Testimony of Douglas Farah Before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control: Adapting U.S. Counternarcotics Efforts in Colombia
September 12, 2017

"Kingpins and Corruption: Targeting Transnational Organized Crime in the Americas," a new publication by the American Enterprise Institute, to which I contributed on several chapters,
"Kingpins and Corruption: Targeting Transnational Organized Crime in the Americas," a new publication by the American Enterprise Institute, to which I contributed on several chapters
June 27, 2017

Suriname: The New Paradigm of the Criminalized State, published by the Center for a Secure and Free Society (with Kathryn Babieau),
Suriname: The New Paradigm of the Criminalized State, published by the Center for a Secure and Free Society (with Kathryn Babieau)
March 15, 2017

Farah's chapter in new RAND book, "Counternetworks: Combatting Transnational Criminal Organizations",
Farah's chapter in new RAND book, "Counternetworks: Combatting Transnational Criminal Organizations"
February 1, 2017

Emerald Wars: Why Colombia's Conflicts Won't End With the FARC Agreement,
Emerald Wars: Why Colombia's Conflicts Won't End With the FARC Agreement
December 8, 2016

"Convergence in Criminalized States: A New Paradigm," a chapter in the new book "Beyond Convergence," just published by the Center for Complex Operations at National Defense University.,
"Convergence in Criminalized States: A New Paradigm," a chapter in the new book "Beyond Convergence," just published by the Center for Complex Operations at National Defense University.
October 25, 2016

My latest in the Small Wars Journal on why the government of Colombia and the FARC lost the plebiscite and what the FARC had really asked for.,
My latest in the Small Wars Journal on why the government of Colombia and the FARC lost the plebiscite and what the FARC had really asked for.
October 7, 2016

Small Wars Journal: Why the FARC's Roadmap to Peace Will Likely Follow the Bolivarian Path to To Totalitarianism,
Small Wars Journal: Why the FARC's Roadmap to Peace Will Likely Follow the Bolivarian Path to To Totalitarianism
August 23, 2016

My testimony today before the House Task Force To Investigate Terrorism Finance, House Committee of Financial Services, House Committee on Financial Services, "Next Terrorist Financiers: Stopping Them Before They Start",
My testimony today before the House Task Force To Investigate Terrorism Finance, House Committee of Financial Services, House Committee on Financial Services, "Next Terrorist Financiers: Stopping Them Before They Start"
June 23, 2016

How the Left Blew it in Latin America My latest on the end of the Pink Revolution and the Bolivarian Revolution,
How the Left Blew it in Latin America My latest on the end of the Pink Revolution and the Bolivarian Revolution
April 22, 2016

A look, with NDU's Michael Miklaucic, on the strategic opportunities in Latin America,
A look, with NDU's Michael Miklaucic, on the strategic opportunities in Latin America
February 4, 2016

My Foreign Policy piece on Central American Gangs,
My Foreign Policy piece on Central American Gangs
January 20, 2016

Central American Gangs are All Grown Up: My latest in Foreign Policy,
Central American Gangs are All Grown Up: My latest in Foreign Policy
January 20, 2016

My latest Q&A in the Cyber Brief on Russia's Goals in Latin America,
My latest Q&A in the Cyber Brief on Russia's Goals in Latin America
January 5, 2016

A Q&A on Russia in the Western Hemisphere in the Cyber Brief,
A Q&A on Russia in the Western Hemisphere in the Cyber Brief
January 5, 2016

My latest in PRISM, journal of NDU's Center for Complex Operations, Russia in Latin America: A Strategic Engagement,
My latest in PRISM, journal of NDU's Center for Complex Operations, Russia in Latin America: A Strategic Engagement
December 15, 2015

Central American Gangs as a "Wicked Problem": The Evolution of the MS 13 as Political Actors,
Central American Gangs as a "Wicked Problem": The Evolution of the MS 13 as Political Actors
November 24, 2015

Testimony of Douglas Farah Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, October 22, 2015: Russia's Engagement in the Western Hemisphere,
Testimony of Douglas Farah Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, October 22, 2015: Russia's Engagement in the Western Hemisphere
October 22, 2015

My latest report with Carl Meacham for CSIS on the crisis of governance, violence and lack of political will in the Northern Triangle: "Alternative Governance in the Northern Triangle and Implications for U.S. Policy: Finding Logic Within Chaos",
My latest report with Carl Meacham for CSIS on the crisis of governance, violence and lack of political will in the Northern Triangle: "Alternative Governance in the Northern Triangle and Implications for U.S. Policy: Finding Logic Within Chaos"
September 21, 2015

My Latest in the journal PRISM, Center For Complex Operations, National Defense University: The Advance of Radical Populist Doctrine in Latin America: How the Bolivarian Alliance is Remaking Militaries, Dismantling Democracy and Fighting the Empire,
My Latest in the journal PRISM, Center For Complex Operations, National Defense University: The Advance of Radical Populist Doctrine in Latin America: How the Bolivarian Alliance is Remaking Militaries, Dismantling Democracy and Fighting the Empire
July 13, 2015

Testimony of Douglas Farah Before the House Financial Services Terrorism Finance Task Force,
Testimony of Douglas Farah Before the House Financial Services Terrorism Finance Task Force
May 21, 2015

My Testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, "The Deepening Crisis In Venezuela.",
My Testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, "The Deepening Crisis In Venezuela."
March 17, 2015

The Murder of Alberto Nisman: How The Government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Created the Environment for a Perfect Crime,
The Murder of Alberto Nisman: How The Government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner Created the Environment for a Perfect Crime
March 16, 2015

Douglas Farah and Liana Reyes, published by the University of Miami Center for Hemispheric Studies, "Russia in Latin America: The Strategic Challenge,
Douglas Farah and Liana Reyes, published by the University of Miami Center for Hemispheric Studies, "Russia in Latin America: The Strategic Challenge
March 16, 2015

Through The Looking Glass: The Fernández de Kirchner government's narco corruption and the dminished rule of law in Argentina,
Through The Looking Glass: The Fernández de Kirchner government's narco corruption and the dminished rule of law in Argentina
October 19, 2014

"Threat Convergence," my latest for the US Coast Guard Journal of Safety and Security at Sea, looking at the crime-terror nexus in Latin America.,
"Threat Convergence," my latest for the US Coast Guard Journal of Safety and Security at Sea, looking at the crime-terror nexus in Latin America.
September 17, 2014

Douglas Farah in the Washington Post Outlook Section on Five Myths About the Border Crisis,
Douglas Farah in the Washington Post Outlook Section on Five Myths About the Border Crisis
August 10, 2014

My take in the Washington Post on the debate on the border crisis and unaccompanied minors.,
My take in the Washington Post on the debate on the border crisis and unaccompanied minors.
August 8, 2014

Douglas Farah and Carl Meacham discuss the issue of unaccompanied minors from Central America,
Douglas Farah and Carl Meacham discuss the issue of unaccompanied minors from Central America
July 17, 2014

Testimony before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade,
Testimony before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade
July 17, 2014

The Advance of Radical Populist Doctrine in Latin America: How the Bolivarian Alliance is Remaking Militaries, Dismantling Democracy and Combating the Empire,
The Advance of Radical Populist Doctrine in Latin America: How the Bolivarian Alliance is Remaking Militaries, Dismantling Democracy and Combating the Empire
May 30, 2014

Colombia: Peace and Stability in the Post-Conflict Era: A new study co-authored by Douglas Farah on the Colombian conflict and moves toward peace after 5 decades of internal strife. By Carl Meacham, Douglas Farah and Robert D. Lamb,
Colombia: Peace and Stability in the Post-Conflict Era: A new study co-authored by Douglas Farah on the Colombian conflict and moves toward peace after 5 decades of internal strife. By Carl Meacham, Douglas Farah and Robert D. Lamb
March 13, 2014

Douglas Farah discusses the new CSIS report on Colombia: Colombia: Peace and Stability in the Post-Conflict Era, with Carl Meacham, the director of CSIS' Americas Program.,
Douglas Farah discusses the new CSIS report on Colombia: Colombia: Peace and Stability in the Post-Conflict Era, with Carl Meacham, the director of CSIS' Americas Program.
March 12, 2014

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Argentina Tangos Toward Collapse (IASC),
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Argentina Tangos Toward Collapse (IASC)
March 3, 2014

Testimony of Douglas Farah before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, "Terrorist Groups in Latin America: The Changing Landscape.",
Testimony of Douglas Farah before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, "Terrorist Groups in Latin America: The Changing Landscape."
February 4, 2014

Douglas Farah, "The Future of the Bolivarian Revolution In The Post-Chávez Era," The University of Miami Center for Hemispheric Policy,
Douglas Farah, "The Future of the Bolivarian Revolution In The Post-Chávez Era," The University of Miami Center for Hemispheric Policy
February 3, 2014

Douglas Farah in the Miami Herald: The loss of Central America's Northern Triangle, examining the collapse of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador into a narco-region,
Douglas Farah in the Miami Herald: The loss of Central America's Northern Triangle, examining the collapse of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador into a narco-region
February 1, 2014

Douglas Farah discusses the upcoming elections in El Salvador and the importance to the United States at CSIS,
Douglas Farah discusses the upcoming elections in El Salvador and the importance to the United States at CSIS
January 23, 2014

Executive Summary of Forthcoming CSIS Report I co-authored: Colombia: Peace And Stability in the Post-Conflict Era,
Executive Summary of Forthcoming CSIS Report I co-authored: Colombia: Peace And Stability in the Post-Conflict Era
December 6, 2013

Central America's Northern Triangle: A Time of Turmoil and Transition: Publication in PRISM, the journal of the Center for Complex Operations, National Defense University,
Central America's Northern Triangle: A Time of Turmoil and Transition: Publication in PRISM, the journal of the Center for Complex Operations, National Defense University
September 25, 2013

Testimony of Douglas Farah before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency: "Threat to the Homeland: Iran's Extending Influence in the Western Hemisphere",
Testimony of Douglas Farah before the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency: "Threat to the Homeland: Iran's Extending Influence in the Western Hemisphere"
July 9, 2013

Central America's Northern Triangle: A Time of Turmoil and Transition (DRAFT of a paper for PRISM, the journal of the Center for Complex Operations at National Defense University),
Central America's Northern Triangle: A Time of Turmoil and Transition (DRAFT of a paper for PRISM, the journal of the Center for Complex Operations at National Defense University)
July 5, 2013

Douglas Farah in the Miami Herald on Argentina's relationship with Iran,
Douglas Farah in the Miami Herald on Argentina's relationship with Iran
June 26, 2013

Douglas Farah in Foreign Policy on Argentina's new money laundering law,
Douglas Farah in Foreign Policy on Argentina's new money laundering law
June 4, 2013

La Cámpora in Argentina: The Rise of a New Vanguard Generation and the Road to Ruin,
La Cámpora in Argentina: The Rise of a New Vanguard Generation and the Road to Ruin
May 13, 2013

Ecuador's Role In Iran's Latin American Financial Structure: A Case Study of COFIEC Bank,
A look at how Ecuador pursues a policy of aiding Ecuadoran banks in sanctions busting. Annexes are on the site but separate.
March 15, 2013

Argentina Goes Down a Dangerous Path, Douglas Farah column in the Miami Herald
March 8, 2013

Back to the Future: Argentina Unravels,
A comprehensive look how the government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, through corruption, transnational organized crime, warming ties to Iran, failed economic policies and cronyism, are moving Argentina to pariah status.
February 28, 2013

Central American Gangs and Transnational Criminal Organizations
February 20, 2013

Testimony of Douglas Farah before the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and Management,
"A Line in the Sand: Assessing Dangerous Threats to Our Nation's Borders."
November 16, 2012

El Crimen Transnacional, Terrorismo y Estados Criminalizados en América Latina:Una Nueva Prioridad de Primer Nivel Para la Seguridad Nacional,
Spanish language version of "Transnational Organized Crime, Terrorism and Criminalized States in Latin America:An Emerging Tier-One National Security Priority."
October 9, 2012