The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series Should the US Military Invade Mexico? || Peter Zeihan
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Jun 13, 2025 As violence erupts in Mexico due to drug cartels, the podcast delves into the controversial idea of U.S. military intervention. It highlights the shift from cocaine trafficking to the deadly chaos surrounding synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Various military options are scrutinized, exploring the potential ramifications and complexities of involvement. This analysis raises critical questions about national security and the effectiveness of foreign intervention amidst escalating drug-related violence.
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Violence Driven by Drug Market Shift
- The rise in violence in Mexico is mainly due to changes in drug trafficking dynamics, not Mexican policy.
- The shift from cocaine to synthetic fentanyl has fragmented large cartels into many small, violent groups.
Fentanyl Creates Many Small Operators
- The fentanyl trade has led to hundreds of small groups operating independently and producing quickly.
- This decentralization destroys traditional cartel hierarchies and increases violence and instability.
Drones Limited Against Fentanyl Smuggling
- Employing drones for border monitoring offers limited impact against fentanyl smuggling.
- Drones cannot effectively detect small loads like fentanyl hidden in vehicles, making them insufficient alone.