Mexican Narcotrafficking and its Effects

Over the course of the last century, drug trafficking throughout Latin America has led to the rise of very wealthy, influential, and ruthless criminal organizations. The organizations operate much like legal corporations and even cooperate with international associates. The power provided by drug trafficking has allowed these criminal entities to infiltrate all forms of industries and even governments. In order to secure their power and protect trafficking routes from rivals, violence between these cartels breaks out regularly. While drug trafficking is rampant throughout a large portion of Latin America, Mexico’s size and proximity to the United States’ border makes it a necessary component in the drug trade. As a result, there are currently many active cartels within Mexican borders that are at constant odds with one another in order to maintain dominance. In addition, these cartels are often at odds with or try to persuade government employees at state and federals levels to act out their will. The violence perpetrated by these cartels has found its way into every aspect of life in Mexico and has shaken the very foundation of the nation. Cartels have used their power and wealth to influence Mexican politics and policies to ones that better suit them. In addition, their ruthlessness and greed have forced Mexican society to adapt. Finally, the impact of their business and violence can be felt economically in both Mexico and the United States. In response, both the Mexican and American governments have developed their own respective plans to protect their nation-state and citizens. Despite the cartels provoking negative change in Mexico’s politics, culture, and economy, the response of the Mexican government has been atrocious and contributed to further devastating their country