Paraguay’s Security Challenges and the Government Response

This article analyzes the security challenges in Paraguay and the government response under the administration of Santiago Peña. It argues that Paraguay, despite its strategic location and regional relevance, faces serious security problems due to organized crime, corruption and its role as a transit point for drugs and weapons. The country also serves as a hub for Hezbollah operations in the region.

This work discusses how Santiago Peña’s new government has shown significant commitment to address these challenges, implementing several joint operations with other countries and strengthening security and intelligence institutions. However, endemic corruption and institutional weakness remain major obstacles for Paraguay. Despite promising initial achievements, the long-term success of Peña’s initiatives is uncertain, with critical implications for regional stability and Paraguay’s international relations, especially with the United States and Taiwan.

Keywords: Paraguay, security, organized crime, corruption, drug trafficking, Hezbollah