The state of Florida needs no introduction, as it serves as an economic and tourist showcase for the United States. For decades, it has been a meeting point for travelers, investors, and entrepreneurs who see the territory as a natural gateway between North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America. More than just beaches and theme parks, Florida functions as a major hub where tourism, commerce, and culture coexist naturally.
Two cities stand out on this map. The first is Miami. Anyone who wants to understand the cultural pulse of the hemisphere must visit this city at least once. Its calendar of events is enough to understand this. Music festivals, sports tournaments, and cultural gatherings make Miami a permanent showcase. The second key city is Doral. It goes unnoticed by many tourists, but entrepreneurs know that a substantial part of South Florida’s corporate activity takes place there. Its proximity to Miami International Airport makes it an essential hub for logistics and international trade, combining a strong business structure with a well-maintained residential environment. Large companies have offices in this city, and private investment has found room to grow.
This context explains why Florida was the setting chosen for a meeting with strong political and strategic content. The first Summit of the Americas Shield was held over the weekend. From the Trump National Doral Miami complex, President Donald Trump announced the creation of what he called the anti-cartel coalition of the Americas with the aim of using military cooperation between several countries on the continent to defeat drug trafficking groups.
Some analysts are quick to criticize the proposal. From my business perspective, Trump’s diagnosis is obvious. Criminal cartels have spread their influence throughout much of the hemisphere. Their financial power affects local economies, disrupts markets, and distorts institutions. Confronting this threat requires coordination among governments that are willing to act without hesitation. Trump spoke clearly when he said that the coalition will use military force to eradicate these groups.
The summit brought together staunch allies of the US president. Among them were Argentine President Javier Milei and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. Leaders from Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and the Dominican Republic also attended. This group of countries understands that drug trafficking cannot be combated with diplomatic speeches, but rather with real coordination between governments that share the same concern.
Trump said it bluntly during the summit: the United States is already confronting the cartels where it has the capacity to act and is willing to go further. That message may make some governments uncomfortable, but it is worth remembering that drug trafficking not only destroys communities, it also hurts economies, scares away investment, and damages the international image of entire regions.
From a business perspective, the initiative makes sense. If a regional coalition succeeds in weakening criminal organizations, the benefits will be reflected in greater stability for Latin American countries, greater security for trade routes, and a more reliable climate for tourism and investment. Florida understands this well. For decades, it has built prosperity based on economic openness, international mobility, and institutional security.
Washington decided to take the lead in the fight against drug trafficking on a continental scale. Like it or not, someone had to do it, and if the anti-cartel coalition succeeds in reducing the influence of these groups, all of Latin America will have something to be thankful for.
