History of Everything Bonus: How Cartels Took Over Mexico
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Apr 6, 2025 Uncover the tangled roots of Mexican drug cartels, tracing their rise from the Prohibition era and the role of U.S. policies. Delve into the brutal history of the Guadalajara Cartel, spotlighting the corruption and violence surrounding DEA agent Kiki Camarena's investigation. Explore the emergence of the CJNG amid intense cartel rivalries and the complexities of cartel interactions with Mexican politics. Finally, ponder the implications of designating these cartels as terrorist organizations, particularly for trade relations with the U.S.
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US Labels Cartels Terrorists
- The US designated major Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations in early 2025.
- The label raises questions about legal, military, and diplomatic consequences for both countries.
Origins Linked To Prohibition
- Mexican smuggling networks grew from Prohibition-era demand and cross-border opportunity.
- Those early ties gave farmers access to the vast U.S. market and seeded later cartel power.
US Demand Shaped Supply
- US policy and demand shaped Mexican production of narcotics across decades.
- Wartime supply needs and later cultural shifts amplified Mexico's drug economy.