U.S.-Columbia ties with Senators Bernie Moreno and Ruben Gallego
- Mischa Khanna
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
On August 15th, the Civitas One Team attended the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht America Center’s discussion on the U.S.-Colombia bilateral relationship. This discussion was hosted in conjunction with the National Business Association of Columbia(ANDI), along with Senator Bernardo Moreno(R-OH) and Senator Ruben Gallego(D-AZ) Moreno and Gallego are the first Colombian Americans elected to the U.S. Senate.
Framing the Crisis
Relations between the U.S. and Colombia have grown positively over the past twenty plus years, grounded in shared security ambitions and economic integration. However, in recent years, this relationship has faced unprecedented challenges. Colombia is facing rising criminal violence and a recent surge of drug cultivation. At the forefront of these issues, Colombia has recently embraced China’s Belt and Road initiative; a global infrastructure development strategy. This has created space for China to serve as a more dominant role whereas traditionally served by the U.S.
Moreno: The Strategic Case for Alignment
Senator Moreno articulated the argument for strategic alignment, doubling down on security cooperation. The U.S.-Colombia cooperation has delivered lasting effects on both sides of the relationship. Moreno argued that lapses in security could send ripple effects into U.S. interests looking at counter-narcotics, migration, and economic stability. Rather, Moreno argued, a recalibrated security cooperation would benefit all parties.
Touching on the China Belt and Road Initiative, Moreno expressed the need for concern and vigilance towards this upcoming partnership.
Gallego: Integration and Renewal
Alternatively, to Moreno’s perspective, Gallego preached the potential for mutual prosperity when both nations focus on sustainable development. Gallego recognized the allure of Chinese infrastructure, however, also advised that officials proceed with caution. Gallego emphasized he feels this engagement with China should serve as a wakeup call to the U.S. to provide better infrastructure and economic financing that both respects Colombia’s autonomy and supports long term goals.
Gallego argued the security policy should not rely solely on hard power, rather, should be integrated with intelligence and law enforcement efforts. By combining a multitude of systems, Gallego argues that nations can respond to immediate threats, while also creating effective preventative frameworks for future problem solving.
Common Ground
Despite the senators opposing political views, both Moreno and Gallego agreed on a central point: Colombia is important and remains one of the U.S.’s more reliable partners in Latin America. Colombia has repeatedly aligned itself with the U.S. on security, trade, and economical issues. Additionally, Moreno and Gallego recognized Colombia as strategically important in countering the influence of China. Colombia faces challenges that are interconnected. Meaning, security cannot be separated from innovation, as migration cannot be separated from economic stability. The wellbeing of Colombia’s development is dependent on a blend of factors.
Looking Ahead
The relationship between the U.S. and Colombia is entering unprecedented territories. Colombia faces internal pressures from economic inequalities to security threats tied to organized crime, to confronting the goal of a drug-free economy. Its leaders are in the midst of balancing the pull of global powers with China on one end and the U.S. on the other. Moreno offers the ultimatum: Colombia must choose between America or China, emphasizing the tensions.
Gallego adds to the complexity of the situation by recognizing the U.S. has to continue delivering their support and resources. If the U.S. expects Colombia to resist China, it must show the will to continue their partnership at the same standard. This middle ground must be met by respecting Colombia’s sovereignty.
The solution to advancements is bipartisanship. While Moreno and Gallego held their own perspectives, both senators agreed that the U.S.-Colombia relationship should be upheld and protected. This ideology should be met with policy to strengthen both sides of the equation. Whether the relationship will uphold the test of foreign entities intervening will be determined by the blend of congressional engagement and diplomacy executed by the U.S.
Sources:
Atlantic Council. 2025. “Senators Bernie Moreno and Ruben Gallego on US-Colombia ties” Atlantic Council, August 15, 2025. Accessed August
15, 2025.
