Smuggler Nation: How Illicit Trade Made America

In Smuggler Nation, Peter Andreas tells the story of how illicit trade has shaped American history, from the smuggling of slaves to the rise of the drug cartels.

Andreas argues that smuggling has been a driving force behind American economic growth, and that it has played a major role in shaping American culture and politics.

Andreas's book is a fascinating and wide-ranging look at the role of illicit trade in American history. He shows how smuggling has been used to bring everything from slaves to drugs into the United States, and how it has shaped the country's economy, culture, and politics.

Smuggler Nation is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, economics, or crime. It is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that challenges our assumptions about the role of illicit trade in American society.

The Smuggling of Slaves

The smuggling of slaves was a major part of the American economy in the 18th and 19th centuries. Slaves were smuggled into the United States from Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. The slave trade was a brutal and dehumanizing business, and it left a lasting legacy of racism and inequality in the United States.

Andreas argues that the smuggling of slaves was a major factor in the development of American capitalism. The slave trade provided a cheap source of labor for the American economy, and it helped to fuel the growth of the cotton industry. The slave trade also helped to create a class of wealthy slave owners who dominated American politics and society.

The Rise of the Drug Cartels

In the 20th century, the smuggling of drugs became a major problem for the United States. Drugs were smuggled into the United States from Mexico, Colombia, and other countries. The drug trade was a violent and lucrative business, and it led to the rise of powerful drug cartels.

Andreas argues that the drug trade has had a profound impact on American society. The drug trade has led to increased crime, violence, and corruption. It has also contributed to the mass incarceration of African Americans and Latinos.

The Future of Smuggling

Andreas concludes Smuggler Nation by looking at the future of smuggling. He argues that smuggling is likely to continue to be a major problem for the United States in the years to come. The drug trade is still a major source of violence and instability in the Americas, and it is likely to continue to grow in the future.

Andreas also argues that the United States needs to do more to address the root causes of smuggling. He argues that the United States needs to invest in economic development in poor countries, and that it needs to reduce the demand for drugs in the United States.

Smuggler Nation is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that challenges our assumptions about the role of illicit trade in American society. Andreas argues that smuggling has been a major driving force behind American economic growth, and that it has played a major role in shaping American culture and politics.

Smuggler Nation is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, economics, or crime. It is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that will challenge your assumptions about the role of illicit trade in American society.

About the Author

Peter Andreas is a professor of political science at Brown University. He is the author of several books on illicit trade, including Smuggler Nation and BFree Download Games: Policing the U.S.-Mexico Divide.