Mexican Drug Trade

Abstract

In order to prove the United State's primary role in this escalation of drug related violence in Mexico, the essay first addresses the history of drug prohibition in the United States, which resulted in a demand for illegal drugs from foreign sources. Then, it explores the economic liberalization policies of the 1980s that led to Mexico becoming the main supplier of drugs to the US. It continues by describing the current drug organizations menacing Mexico, the cartels, and the history of their evolution. This is followed by an analysis of the US participation in the drug trade through its avid demand of drugs and supply of arms in return, a dynamics that contributes to and perpetuates the violence affecting Mexico. The essay then proceeds to address the role of police and military corruption in Mexico's current drug related violence. And, it describes the warring amongst Mexican drug cartels, and Pres. Felipe Calderon's recent measures to control the violence perpetuated by these organizations. This essay closes with personal reflections on how best to address the problem of drug cartels and their progressive destruction of the fabric of Mexican society.