Mexico is blowing up. Rivaling drug cartels have killed thousands of people in the last few years. Their power and influence has penetrated all levels of Mexican society. The Mexican government cannot control the violence that is tearing their country apart. The drug cartels have created a nation-wide network of growers, traffickers, and street soldiers. These cartels actually have more power (and often, more public support) than the elected government.
It's all about the money. These cartels provide Mexican citizens with a lucrative opportunity. The amount of money that the lords have can buy off local cops, mayors, police chiefs, and government officials. It's hard to tell who is a "narco" and who isn't. Despite all of the violence and corruption that these cartels bring to Mexico, they are still admired by the everyday person. Drug money builds up towns, provides jobs, and provides services (like electricity) to areas where the government cannot. The drug gangs have better weapons than the local police, and they often provide a sense of justice.
What can be done when cartels are more powerful than the government?
This is called the Narco State
How did these cartels get so powerful? Some analysts believe that U.S. had some influence.
First off, most of the drugs that are produced or shipped by the cartels is making its way to the United States. Mexico's neighbor to the north is the largest drug market in the world. Cartels smuggle the drugs (marijuana, meth, cocaine, etc.) into the U.S., where they're affiliated organizations distribute and sell, down to the street level. Drugs go out, money flows in.
The Cartels have then used their cash flow to purchase their arsenals of weapons. Most of these weapons, including high powered assault rifles come from US gun shows and shops. The cartels utilize their influence and hire people in the US to purchase guns for them.
What can the US do to stop this? How has the US contributed to rise of drug cartels in Mexico?
Read the articles that were handed out in class to figure out this puzzler.
