Mexican Drug War Essay

The United States’s war on drugs has been prolonged for years, with the cartel dominating the world of international narcotic trade. In 1968, President Nixon declared that the drug abuse issue was the “public enemy number one.” The U.S. cracked down on their policies over drug traficking, causing turf wars to begin an era of violence in Mexico. However, if the United States uses military force to fight the cartels, it could make matters worse instead of better. Even though drug cartels benefit Mexico's economy, these group are dangerous to the people of Mexico because many lives have been destroyed as well as creating unsafe conditions in many regions.

The war on drugs between the United States and Mexico has been ongoing for over fifty years.

Led by Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, the Sinaloa Cartel became a powerful and ruthless drug trafficking organization involved in the production, smuggling, and distribution of drugs, primarily cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin. (Kuzub.) Utilizing complicated routes along the border, the cartel transported drugs from Mexico to the United States and other markets. Known for its violence, the Sinaloa Cartel engaged in brutal turf wars with rival cartels as well as affecting many innocent civillians. Despite the arrests, the cartel maintains its influence due to its decentralized structure, adaptability, and deep-rooted connections, posing ongoing challenges to law enforcement agencies. As of 2023, the Sinaloa Cartel is the second largest cartel in Mexico. (Kuzub.) The current leaders include Ivan Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, Ismael Zambada García, Ovidio Guzmán López, and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán

It's important to note that these arguments are theoretical and not universally accepted. These have sparked lots of controversy among policitians and ordinary citizens. The first point is the stabilty that cartels bring to the market. (Wharton.) By coordinating pricing, this can produce a more predictable environment for consumers. Because the cartels are controlling the supply anf demand chain, they prevent huge market fluctuations. Another rebuttal is the labor protection that these cartels can bring (Baird.)In some cases, the cartels may negotiate labor agreements in conjunction with their member firms. This could lead to higher wages, better working conditions, and more job securities for their workers (Baird.) Bargaining with labor unions ensures that their employee’s needs are being met. While some argue that drug cartels should be considered terrorist organizations, there are counterarguments to this statement. One aspect that determines if a group could be considered terrorists or not is the motive behind their actions (Kan.) For the cartels, many debate that their main goal is to make profits, and not to harm others. The cartels strive to dominate the global drug market for financial gain. Even though they engage in mass amounts of violence, it is mainly to protect their criminal actions