The Drug Trade In Mexico And Implications For U S Mexican Relations

This text explains the punitive trend in Mexican anti-drug policies as a political imperative, an out-growth of the perceived need both to counter the growth of the illegal drug market and to prevent US police and judicial authorities from acting as a surrogate justice system in Mexico.

The backdrop of a deteriorating security situation in Mexico and change in administration in the United States demands a closer examination of potential priorities and policy options to guide future U.S.-Mexico relations. To help inform debate, this study examined a set of policy options for the United States (strategic partnership, status quo, and retrenchment), along with potential policy priorities that hold promise for Mexico's security.

Introduction -- Michoacán's changing landscape -- Origins and evolution of La Familia Michoacana -- Importance of Lázaro Cárdenas -- Cucaracha effect -- Leadership and organization -- La Tuta -- Ideology -- Indoctrination -- Narco-banners -- Mass communication -- Narcocorridos -- Brutality -- Resources -- Drug revenues -- Extortion -- Kidnapping -- Businesses -- Weapons -- Conflict between La Familia and Los Zetas -- Dual sovereignty -- La Familia and the United States -- Conclusion : steps to curb La Familia's ability to export drugs to the United States.