Ciudad Juarez: A Feral City Threat on our Doorstep?
Abstract
Throughout the last ten years, the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez has experienced almost unprecedented levels of violence due to uncontrolled drug cartel activity. This once functioning city became the murder capital of the world and suffered negative economic, civil, and security ramifications. Mexican governmental efforts were unable to reduce the violence or improve the standard of living amongst Juarez residents. However, during the last twelve months Juarez has seemingly recovered as a failed city, and exhibited an unforeseen rebound with improved metrics. Security professionals, local residents, and U.S. governmental officials are left to speculate the reasoning behind these improved conditions. Although security professionals have recently introduced the theory of failed cities within a functioning national government, all of this research has assessed characteristics associated with insurgent activity. However, the effects of insurgent activities do not necessarily correspond to cities suffering from criminal organizations such as drug cartels. This paper will consider a different set of diagnostic tools to assess a prospective failed city, such as Ciudad Juarez, based on the activities of a high intensity criminal organization, such as a Mexican drug cartel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA589135
Entities
People
- Warren J. Curry
Organizations
- United States Army War College