The Rise of Mexican Cartels: A Societal Analysis

From America’s insatiable appetite for drugs, sex-trafficking, and cheap labor, we are the leaders on all three. These issues are deeply intertwined with the rise and consolidation of Mexican cartels, which have gained unparalleled power in recent decades. This article aims to explore the multifaceted reasons behind the power and influence of these cartels, placing special emphasis on the sociopolitical and cultural aspects.

Corruption and Power Dynamics

In Mexico, the corruptible nature of the police, military, and numerous sectors of the government plays a crucial role in the cartels' domination. The prevalence of corruption among these institutions fosters an environment where individuals can easily maneuver within the legal and illegal systems. As far as cultural attitudes go, Mexican society's encouragement of sociopathic behaviors does not help either. This societal acceptance of criminal and morally dubious activities contributes to a fertile ground for the growth of cartels.

Moreover, Mexico's status as one of the poorest countries in the world exacerbates the plight of its citizens, increasing their susceptibility to the temptations and promises offered by the cartels. Therefore, it is not entirely fair to paint the entire Mexican population as criminals; however, the socio-economic conditions have certainly contributed to the carteles' rise to power.

Legal and Political Landscape

Several elements within the legal and political landscape of Mexico have facilitated the carteles' dominance. For instance, the restriction on civilian access to firearms by the corrupt government was initially aimed at ensuring that only soldiers and criminals could obtain and use firearms. While President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has made some efforts to reform this aspect, it is still far from adequate to curb the carteles' power.

Another significant factor is the poor quality of higher education in Mexico compared to its northern neighbors, particularly the United States. The lack of a culture that values higher education opens the door for less educated individuals to be drawn into criminal enterprises such as the cartels, as they may find limited prospects elsewhere.

The legal system, including its administration and appeals processes, has become a breeding ground for profit and corruption. This is evident in the high costs of legal fees, long appeal processes, and the exploitation of loopholes within legal frameworks. The continuous bombardment of laws and regulations written by lawyers to maintain their vested interests exacerbates the ongoing cycle of crime and punishment, which in turn fuels the carteles' wealth and power further.

The Role of Legal Professionals in the Cartels' Rise

Educational institutions in the legal field, such as law schools, play a crucial role in perpetuating these legal frameworks. Legal professionals, those who write and interpret laws, often create systems that are designed more for their benefit than for the public good. Concepts like "back doors" in legal codes ensure that lawyers can maintain their authority and control, no matter the law.

The criminal justice system, as evidenced by the ongoing "War on Drugs," is another critical factor. Young individuals, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, are funneled into a cycle of crime and imprisonment by the legal system. The repeated incarceration and the associated legal fees, combined with the inability to learn the skills needed to succeed in modern society, only perpetuate the cycle of criminal activity. Each time legal professionals earn substantial sums of money defending and appealing cases, the system remains stronghold of profit and corruption.

Ultimately, the legal and political structures in Mexico are intertwined with the interests of the carteles, complicating any efforts to effectively combat their influence. The key to breaking this cycle lies in addressing the underlying socio-economic and cultural factors while ensuring a fair and transparent legal system free from corruption.

Conclusion

The rise of Mexican cartels cannot be attributed to a single factor, but rather the interplay of various socio-economic, cultural, and legal factors. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that involves law enforcement, education, economic reform, and changes in cultural attitudes. Ultimately, the health of society as a whole is critical to curbing the influence of these powerful criminal organizations.