It presents a brief historical overview of the process of colonization, slavery, miscegenation, and independence in the area, as well as the development of what Franklin W. Knight calls "distinctively artificial societies." The author further explores instances of loss of sovereignty as a result of direct intervention (occupation by force) by the United States over the past century and the heavy-handed co-optation ("carrot and stick" exploitation) currently being practiced to support its "zero tolerance" drug policies at home. The study also examines the real and significant increases in drugs and drug trafficking in the Caribbean in recent years and the impact these factors may have on U.S.-Caribbean relations and on crime and social stability in the area. Also, the possibility of loss of sovereignty as a result of intrusion of transnational criminal organizations and the development of "narco-states" is explored. The study concludes that it is inevitable that the United States will maintain a strong, intrusive presence in the Caribbean in the foreseeable future; and drug trafficking, even within countries that have joined in the interdiction programs, will continue and perhaps increase, particularly if the demand for narcotics in the United States intensifies. 3 notes and 9 references