Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The United States, Mexico, and the Agony of National Security,
Abstract
This study analyses the changing nature of U.S.-Mexican national security issues, with a focus on narcotrafficking, the growing militarization of Mexico's counterdrug and police institutions, the danger of spreading guerrilla war, and the prospects of political and economic instability. The conclusion is that Mexico is in the midst of an extended period of transition in which it is extremely vulnerable to disruption on several different fronts-simultaneously. While the economy has largely recovered from the 1994-95 peso crisis, it remains both fragile and volatile. Although much progress has been achieved in democratization, there is still a long way to go. Both political and criminal violence are growing. A new guerrilla group has appeared which may prove to be more troublesome than the Zapatistas. At the same time, the drug cartels are increasingly targeting law enforcement officers for assassination.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 24, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA357936
Entities
People
- Donald E. Schulz
Organizations
- United States Army War College