Open Access

Daniel Förster

• According to the overarching theme "Should something happen somewhere else that we don't want to have here?", this research paper deals with the extended question "How does the 2007 free trade agreement between Colombia and the USA affect the situation in Colombia?". Focusing on the aspect of coca cultivation this paper is framed by the question of projecting the situation in Colombia onto the situation in Germany. Universal human rights are the unifying force between Colombia in Latin America and Germany in Central Europe. Through the United Nations Declaration, these rights have universal validity regardless of national or ethnic affiliation. These rights apply to all countries of the world, including Colombia. The situation of the population regarding the economic and ethical components is illuminated on the basis of coca cultivation. Starting with the topic of coca cultivation, the challenges and interests by groups of people involved are described. The Colombian economy is then examined in order to classify the importance of this topic. The topic of the "free market" is a very relevant one, particularly regarding the economic component and can be supported by free trade agreements. This means that the domestic economy is not only restricted to its own sales market without regulation but is also largely extended to other partner countries. In terms of market liberalization, this would also be relevant for coca distribution. Thus, opening to other markets at the direct level is an export opportunity, but also at the indirect level. Exports can also be expanded via third countries. However, national governments are also responsible for this process. Therefore, this paper also explains the role of Colombian politics in coca cultivation, as it has a significant role in the cultivation and trade of the coca plant as well as in external economic relations. Furthermore, the paper attempts to construct a possible solution to improve the living situation of the people in Colombia. The factors of the economy, politics, foreign policy and the relationships between the individual actors are considered in order to arrive at a solution that is as balanced as possible, taking into account the norms of human rights.