Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office last month, has faced the first major hurdle to a campaign promise to reduce drug cartel violence. She had vowed not to radically abandon the “hugs, not bullets” strategy of her political mentor and presidential predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Ovrador, which saw the government abandon direct military confrontation with drug cartels in the hope that social programs, rather than shootings, would gradually succeed reduce the number of cartel fighters. However, a month and a half after K. Sheinbaum took office Associated Press notes that a series of bloody armed confrontations recently shows that the government has quietly abandoned the “no bullets” part of this strategy and is much more willing to use the full force of the armed forces and the militarized National Guard.
The media also notes that the drug cartels’ challenges to the Mexican government now are also different from those governments faced during the 2006-2012 war on drug cartels. The structure and operations of drug cartels are now much more diversified, they are deeply involved in migrant smuggling and make much greater use of recruiting illegal migrants into their ranks.
The predecessors failed
C. Sheinbaum of AM López-Ovrador, who spent six years in office, inherited a very difficult internal security situation in Mexico, writes Mexiconewsdaily.com.
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What challenges does Claudia Sheinbaum face in addressing drug cartel violence in Mexico compared to her predecessor?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Drug Policy Expert
Editor: Welcome and thank you for joining us today. With Claudia Sheinbaum recently taking office as Mexico’s president, the nation is watching closely to see how she will navigate the complex issue of drug cartel violence. What are your thoughts on her initial approach to this problem?
Expert: Thank you for having me. Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration was expected to continue the “hugs, not bullets” strategy that was initially implemented by her predecessor, López Obrador. This approach aimed to address the root causes of violence through social programs rather than direct military confrontation, which had previously plagued Mexico.
Editor: It seems, however, that just a month and a half into her presidency, there has already been a notable shift. Reports suggest that her government may be more inclined to use military force against drug cartels. What do you make of this?
Expert: Yes, the reports suggest a significant departure from the no-bullets policy. The use of military resources, including the National Guard, indicates a shift towards a more militarized approach. This could be a response to an escalation in violence as drug cartels adapt to governmental policies and tactics. The question that arises is whether such a military approach can effectively reduce violence or if it may exacerbate the situation.
Editor: That’s a crucial point. Considering the recent bloody confrontations, what does this signal about the challenges facing Sheinbaum’s government compared to that of her predecessor?
Expert: The landscape of cartel violence has evolved. Under López Obrador, there was a clear intention to avoid escalating armed confrontations. Sheinbaum faces a different set of circumstances, with cartels increasingly emboldened and innovative in their methods. The seriousness of these new threats may leave her with fewer options but to engage more directly, even if it contradicts her earlier pledges.
Editor: What do you think are the potential repercussions of shifting back to a militarized strategy against the cartels?
Expert: History has shown us that heavy-handed military responses can lead to cycles of violence and retaliation. There is a risk of increasing casualties among both civilians and military personnel, which can lead to further resentment and even more organized crime. Moreover, it may alienate communities that felt hopeful under the previous “hugs” strategy, making them less likely to cooperate with law enforcement.
Editor: That paints a grim picture. In your opinion, is there a way for Sheinbaum to balance these competing strategies of social support and military action?
Expert: Absolutely! It’s essential for her administration to engage in a more comprehensive strategy that combines the two approaches. Strengthening community-based programs and rehabilitation initiatives while simultaneously addressing immediate security needs could create a more sustainable path forward. Partnerships with local NGOs, investment in education, and economic opportunities can help diminish the influence of cartels over time.
Editor: It’s a tough balancing act, no doubt. As more information emerges from this administration, what should we be looking out for in the coming months?
Expert: We should keep an eye on how Sheinbaum frames her public messaging around security and social programs. It will also be important to watch for any shifts in public sentiment, as well as the impact of her decisions on both crime rates and community trust in government institutions. Ultimately, it will be a critical test of her leadership and vision for Mexico’s future.
Editor: Thank you for your insights. This is undoubtedly a pivotal moment for Mexico, and your expertise adds valuable context. We appreciate your time today!
Expert: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this situation develops.