Cato Daily Podcast
War with Mexico over Fentanyl Would Be Disastrous
Nov 27, 2024
Brandan Buck, a research fellow at the Cato Institute and expert on U.S.-Mexico relations, discusses the perilous notion of a U.S. military invasion of Mexico to combat fentanyl trafficking. He argues that such action would exacerbate violence and complicate the socio-political landscape. Buck highlights the economic and diplomatic repercussions that could strain U.S.-Mexico relations and even push Mexico closer to China. He emphasizes that a military solution lacks practicality without local cooperation and could lead to further chaos.
09:56
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Quick takeaways
- A military invasion of Mexico to combat fentanyl trafficking faces significant risks due to local opposition and tactical challenges.
- Resorting to unilateral military action against drug cartels could damage US-Mexico relations, affecting cooperation on migration and trade.
Deep dives
The Risks of Military Involvement in Mexico
Engaging in a military invasion of Mexico to combat drug trafficking poses significant strategic and tactical risks. Special operations, which may have been effective in past conflicts, face unique challenges in Mexico due to the lack of local support and the risk of small forces becoming overexposed in hostile territory. This could lead to an escalatory spiral of violence, contrary to the intended goals of reducing drug crime. The notion that such military interventions could safely target cartel leaders without destabilizing the region further underestimates the complexities of the operational environment in Mexico.
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