A Breaking Point for Mexico

Abstract

To what extent have the policies implemented by the Mexican government since 2006 against the War on Drugs further fueled social violence? What have been the effects of violence on security, citizenship well-being, displacement, and human rights? This thesis examines how the pervasive violence in Mexico, despite being overwhelmingly visible recently, has been embedded into the system since long before. Mexico experiences different approaches to violence: ordinary, structural, and drug violence. The research question and my contribution are illustrated from four different perspectives, based on the various types of violence that exist in the country: intercartel, government-cartel, cartel-citizens, and government-citizens. After conducting a case study analysis of specific events throughout the last three presidential administrations, a recurring pattern shows that despite the differences in political background, violence continues to be aggravated through a similitude in strategy. Government officials should take meaningful action to address the security needs of citizens – despite the presence of violence – and consider policy changes that focus on providing safety and well-being.