Mexico's Cartel Crisis: Unpacking the Structural Drivers of a Persistent Problem
Original framing: “El Mencho’s killing won’t solve Mexico’s cartel problem – or anything else” — Al Jazeera
The US-Mexico border has been a site of conflict and violence for over a century, dating back to the 1914 US invasion of Mexico. The current cartel crisis is a legacy of this history, as well as the subsequent imposition of US-dominated economic and political order on Mexico.
The cartel crisis in Mexico is a complex issue that requires a nuanced understanding of its root causes, including social and economic inequalities, corruption, and a flawed US-Mexico drug policy.
A more effective approach requires addressing these underlying drivers, amplifying marginalized voices, and incorporating their knowledge and experiences into policy-making. This can be achieved through policies such as progressive taxation, social welfare programs, education and job training initiatives, and reforming the US-Mexico drug policy to prioritize public health and safety. Ultimately, a more effective approach requires a long-term commitment to addressing the root causes of the crisis and building a more just and equitable society in Mexico.