To answer the question whether the security situation in Mexico can be
classified as a "new war" its distinctive features and characteristics will be
presented in theoretical form. On the next level, it is argued that organized
crime violence can be a new war actor himself and cannot be reduced to a
supporting role to the economic. Based on the acquired theoretical
knowledge an analysis of empirical findings follows. Here it is shown how the
Realities of the Mexican conflict situation make the country into a theater of
war in the sense of presented concept. Finally, the results are summarized
in a conclusion and pointed to the possible implications of the finding of a
new war.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The New War
- Agents of violence and privatization of violence
- Economy of violence and "third sector"
- Violence beyond ideological motives paradigms
- Violence Strategy
- Organized crime as a player in a new war
- Organized Crime against the State
- Organized crime against Organized Crime
- Mexican drug war - a new war
- Actors
- The "big business" of the Mexican drug trade
- Causes of Violence
- Within the cartels
- Between cartels and the state
- Brutality and Media Staging
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text aims to analyze the Mexican drug war and determine whether it can be classified as a "new war." The analysis is conducted through the lens of "new war" theory, focusing on the distinctive features of this type of conflict. Key themes include:- The privatization of violence and its impact on the Mexican state
- The "economy of violence" and its relationship to organized crime
- The role of organized crime in the Mexican drug war
- The brutal nature of the conflict and its implications for the Mexican government and its citizens
- The role of media in shaping public perception of the violence
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The text begins by introducing the context of the Mexican drug war, highlighting the escalating violence and the high number of casualties. It then explores the concept of "new war," examining its defining characteristics, including the privatization of violence, the "economy of violence," and the changing nature of armed conflict. The following chapters delve deeper into the role of organized crime in the Mexican drug war, analyzing its relationship with the state, its internal dynamics, and its impact on the conflict. The text also explores the motivations behind the violence, the methods employed by the cartels, and the influence of media coverage on public perception.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The text focuses on the concept of "new war," analyzing the Mexican drug war through this theoretical lens. Key terms and concepts include: privatization of violence, economy of violence, organized crime, drug trafficking, cartels, state monopoly on violence, and media influence. The text examines the implications of this type of conflict for the Mexican state, its citizens, and the international community.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "New War" theory?
The "New War" theory describes modern conflicts characterized by the privatization of violence, where non-state actors like cartels or militias play a central role, often driven by economic rather than ideological motives.
Can the Mexican drug war be classified as a "New War"?
Yes, the text argues that the security situation in Mexico fits the "New War" concept due to the involvement of organized crime as a primary war actor and the resulting privatization of violence.
What is the "economy of violence" in the context of Mexico?
It refers to a system where violence is used as a tool for economic gain, particularly within the "big business" of the Mexican drug trade, involving both cartels and state actors.
What role does media staging play in the conflict?
Cartels use media staging and extreme brutality to spread fear, demonstrate power, and influence public perception, which is a characteristic feature of "New War" strategies.
How does the drug war affect the state monopoly on violence?
The conflict leads to a privatization of violence, where criminal organizations challenge and sometimes undermine the state's traditional role as the sole legitimate wielder of force.
What are the main causes of violence identified?
The violence is caused by competition between cartels for trafficking routes, internal cartel dynamics, and the confrontational relationship between organized crime and the Mexican state.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2012, Drug War Mexico, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/194852
