WorldJuly 4, 2026
narcoterrorist
/ˌnɑːrkoʊˈtɛrərɪst/
Definition
A term used by government officials to describe individuals or groups alleged to be involved in both illegal drug trafficking and acts of terrorism.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau of the Greek-derived 'narcotic' (relating to drugs) and 'terrorist' (one who uses terror for political ends). It gained common usage in the late 20th century to describe the intersection of organized crime and political violence.
In the news
The expert cites the term to highlight how the U.S. administration used vague or murky labeling to justify military actions in Venezuela. She notes that such labels are often used to conflate criminal offenses with acts of war.
What International Law Experts are Watching in Iran
Read the full article ↗Chicago Council on Global Affairs