The Future of Mexico's Drug War - Balancing Security and Rule of Law Against Cartel Freedom of Maneuver
Abstract
The Mexican government is currently embroiled in a difficult struggle to enforce the rule of law over increasingly violent drug cartels. President Calderon has deployed over 50,000 military forces and initiated significant governmental reforms but results are mixed with fatalities skyrocketing over five-fold. Likewise, spillover violence such as extortion, trafficking and kidnapping have exposed the depths of the government's law enforcement shortfalls. To defeat the drug cartel threat to its sovereignty, the Mexican government must both increase its institutional capacity to enforce the rule of law and provide security while also reducing cartel freedom of maneuver to exploit violence and corruptive influence. To a large degree, the essential elements are in place. Mexico has galvanized broad internal and international support for its efforts, but more must be done to achieve lasting results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 28, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA555422
Entities
People
- Charles J. Wallace Ii
Organizations
- Naval War College