The chapter examines the rising levels of violence in Ecuador, which has transformed from being an “island of peace” into a battlefield for competing drug trafficking groups. It analyses the contributing factors and climate that have fostered crime, including the state’s inability to effectively respond and issues of inequality and political disenchantment. The declaration of an internal armed conflict and the government’s reliance on mano-dura policies have proven ineffective, leading to numerous human rights abuses and a decline in public trust. To address the underlying socioeconomic factors contributing to violence, this study advocates for comprehensive social policies that prioritize prevention, rehabilitation, and community bonds, particularly from a Southern perspective.