In this episode of Stratfor's Pen and Sword podcast, host and Chief Security Officer, Fred Burton speaks with Stratfor V.P. of Tactical Analysis, Scott Stewart about the latest activity of Mexico's drug cartels. Mexico's proximity to illicit U.S. markets has resulted in the rapid growth of extremely violent criminal enterprises. Crime and violence take a huge toll on Mexico's citizens and economy. Corruption and impunity have permitted the cartels to become powerful and to operate brazenly. In 2019, there was a uptick in cross-border violence from the cartels. In this podcast, Burton and Stewart discuss the outlook for 2020.