CLASSIFICATION OF DRUG CARTELS AS CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS: LEGAL AND DIPLOMATIC CONSEQUENCES

This article analyzes the unilateral decision of the United States to classify Latin American drug cartels, including Brazilian factions such as Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho (CV), as foreign terrorist organizations. The study aimsto identify the legal and diplomatic consequences of this measure, considering its impacts on international law, state sovereignty, and bilateral relations between the United States and Brazil. A theoretical approach is carried out based on legal doctrines, official reports, and academic analyses to understand the practical effects of such reclassification. It is concluded that the American measure, although reinforcing its national security policy, tends to generate diplomatic tensions and weaken international cooperation, as it conflicts with the domestic legal frameworks of Latin American countries.