Chasing Ghosts: An Irregular Warfare Podcast Ep 059 "The Mexican Cartel Conundrum: War Without End Part Two"
Mar 3, 2025
The podcast tackles the ineffectiveness of crop destruction in the drug war, revealing how it harms farmers and fails to curb cartel profits. It highlights the complex ties between cartels and regional governments, warning that military action could escalate violence. The discussion dives into the global drug trade's intricacies, emphasizing the impact of synthetic drugs and organized crime. Key insights reveal the need for rethinking strategies beyond military engagement, addressing the intertwined issues of drug trafficking, human trafficking, and national security.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
War with Cartels = War with Mexico
- A kinetic war against Mexican cartels is a war against the Mexican government.
- Cartels are deeply intertwined with government, blurring lines.
Elite Forces Won't Stop Cartels
- Deploying elite forces against cartels won't stop drug or human trafficking.
- Cartels have robust networks and meet a strong demand, making them resilient.
Inelastic Drug Demand
- Drug demand is inelastic; price increases don't significantly reduce consumption.
- Users find ways to afford drugs, rendering supply-side interventions less effective.
