Since 2006, the intrastate Mexican Drug War has been an international example of continued policy failure. The complex conflict includes various actors, all of which play a different but important role.
There are seven main drug cartels: Beltran-Leyva, Gulf, Juarez, La Familia Michoacana, Los Zetas, Sinaloa, and Tijuana/Arellano Felix. Each cartel maintains its own territory, and some areas are disputed among cartels. For example, Los Zetas controls the Central North and some of the Southeast coast, and the Gulf Cartel reins the Northeast coast. However, both cartels dispute over Zacatecas, a region in central Mexico. Although each cartel upholds its main territory, many have presences in other regions. For example, although the Beltran-Leyva …show more content…
As neighbors, the American government feels the security of Mexico directly impacts their wellbeing. This is not an incorrect assumption; an overwhelming amount of drugs, specifically cocaine and marijuana, are smuggled across the United States-Mexican border each day. Although enhanced border control prevents some drugs from entering the United States, it is not completely successful. Notorious drug cartel kingpins and officials, such as Jorge Costilla-Sanchez (known as “El Cos” in both the Gulf and Los Zetas cartels), Edgar Valez Villarreal (known as “La Barbie” in both the Sinaloa and Beltran-Leyva cartels), Joaquín Guzmán (known as “El Chapo” in the Sinaloa cartel, which he headed), have been extradited to the United States. They are extradited to ensure justice. Unfortunately, in Mexico, due to the corrupt politicians previously explained, their detainment cannot be ensured. Under previous administrations, the United States was devoted to establishing a regional partnership with Mexico using diplomacy, financial aid, and furthered protection of the border. However, the new Trump administration is outraged with the continued violence. To stop the illegal drug and firearm trade, to protect Mexican and American citizens, and to eliminate the economic burden incurred by immigrants, President Trump has proposed to build a wall along the border. Although it is unknown if this will produce success, it …show more content…
Narcoculture is embedded within society, glorifying the lifestyles of the drug traffickers. Evidently, this provides a lucrative business for the media. Highlighting violent components of society is not unknown to international media. American mafia and Wild West films portray the intense nature of society during those times. By producing music and film conducive to the lifestyle, media outlets perpetuate the conflict. They are primarily motivated by money, fame, and notoriety. As drug reform heightens, the business will be eliminated, making the demand to produce even greater. By idolizing the lifestyles of the drug traffickers, media outlets, either knowingly or unknowingly, persuade viewers to participate in the immoral culture. Children who watch the movies or who listen to the songs do not recognize the inherent danger in the drug cartels. Essentially, it is free advertisement for the cartels. Although the entertainment industry is achieving its goals, it is prolonging the
There are seven main drug cartels: Beltran-Leyva, Gulf, Juarez, La Familia Michoacana, Los Zetas, Sinaloa, and Tijuana/Arellano Felix. Each cartel maintains its own territory, and some areas are disputed among cartels. For example, Los Zetas controls the Central North and some of the Southeast coast, and the Gulf Cartel reins the Northeast coast. However, both cartels dispute over Zacatecas, a region in central Mexico. Although each cartel upholds its main territory, many have presences in other regions. For example, although the Beltran-Leyva …show more content…
As neighbors, the American government feels the security of Mexico directly impacts their wellbeing. This is not an incorrect assumption; an overwhelming amount of drugs, specifically cocaine and marijuana, are smuggled across the United States-Mexican border each day. Although enhanced border control prevents some drugs from entering the United States, it is not completely successful. Notorious drug cartel kingpins and officials, such as Jorge Costilla-Sanchez (known as “El Cos” in both the Gulf and Los Zetas cartels), Edgar Valez Villarreal (known as “La Barbie” in both the Sinaloa and Beltran-Leyva cartels), Joaquín Guzmán (known as “El Chapo” in the Sinaloa cartel, which he headed), have been extradited to the United States. They are extradited to ensure justice. Unfortunately, in Mexico, due to the corrupt politicians previously explained, their detainment cannot be ensured. Under previous administrations, the United States was devoted to establishing a regional partnership with Mexico using diplomacy, financial aid, and furthered protection of the border. However, the new Trump administration is outraged with the continued violence. To stop the illegal drug and firearm trade, to protect Mexican and American citizens, and to eliminate the economic burden incurred by immigrants, President Trump has proposed to build a wall along the border. Although it is unknown if this will produce success, it …show more content…
Narcoculture is embedded within society, glorifying the lifestyles of the drug traffickers. Evidently, this provides a lucrative business for the media. Highlighting violent components of society is not unknown to international media. American mafia and Wild West films portray the intense nature of society during those times. By producing music and film conducive to the lifestyle, media outlets perpetuate the conflict. They are primarily motivated by money, fame, and notoriety. As drug reform heightens, the business will be eliminated, making the demand to produce even greater. By idolizing the lifestyles of the drug traffickers, media outlets, either knowingly or unknowingly, persuade viewers to participate in the immoral culture. Children who watch the movies or who listen to the songs do not recognize the inherent danger in the drug cartels. Essentially, it is free advertisement for the cartels. Although the entertainment industry is achieving its goals, it is prolonging the