Mexican Drug War

Definition

The Mexican Drug War is an ongoing conflict that began in 2006 between the Mexican government and various drug cartels, aimed at reducing drug-related violence and crime in Mexico. This war has led to significant levels of violence, corruption, and human rights abuses, affecting not only Mexico but also neighboring countries and the broader international community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war officially began in December 2006 when President Felipe Calderón deployed the military to combat drug cartels, leading to increased violence throughout Mexico.
2. Estimates suggest that over 300,000 people have died as a result of the conflict since its inception, with many more missing or displaced due to violence.
3. Major cartels involved include the Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation, and Zetas cartels, each vying for control over drug trafficking routes and markets.
4. Corruption within law enforcement and government institutions has severely hampered efforts to combat cartels, as many officials are either complicit or targeted by organized crime.
5. The impact of the Mexican Drug War extends beyond Mexico, contributing to increased drug-related violence and crime in the United States and Central America.

Review Questions

• How did the Mexican government's strategy to combat drug cartels evolve since the beginning of the Mexican Drug War?
  • Since its start in 2006, the Mexican government initially focused on a militarized approach to combat drug cartels by deploying armed forces. Over time, this strategy has evolved due to escalating violence and high civilian casualties. The government has attempted to incorporate more comprehensive strategies that involve intelligence sharing, community engagement, and addressing socioeconomic factors that contribute to cartel recruitment.
• What are some of the social and economic impacts of the Mexican Drug War on local communities within Mexico?
  • The Mexican Drug War has led to severe social and economic disruption in affected communities. Violence has driven families from their homes, creating large populations of internally displaced persons. Local economies have suffered due to businesses shutting down or relocating because of insecurity. Additionally, fear and trauma from violence have affected mental health and overall community cohesion, making recovery and rebuilding efforts more challenging.
• Evaluate the implications of international involvement in the Mexican Drug War and how it affects U.S.-Mexico relations.
  • International involvement, particularly from the United States through initiatives like the Merida Initiative, has had significant implications for U.S.-Mexico relations. While aimed at supporting Mexico's fight against drug trafficking with funding and training for law enforcement, this involvement has also raised concerns about sovereignty and human rights violations. The close cooperation highlights shared interests in combating drug-related crime but also complicates diplomatic relations due to differing approaches to security and justice.

Related terms

Cartel: A criminal organization that engages in the illegal drug trade, often controlling production, distribution, and trafficking of narcotics.

Narco-violence: Violence associated with drug trafficking and organized crime, including conflicts between rival cartels and confrontations with law enforcement.

Human Rights Violations: Abuses committed against individuals or groups that violate their fundamental rights, often seen in the context of state responses to drug-related violence.