Geopolitics of the Mexican Cartels - Good Times Bad Times

In the last couple of decades organized crime in Mexico has achieved a worldwide notoriety as a result of the projection of its transnational presence, its unprecedented wealth, and its endemic involvement in blood baths.

Gangs of rural bandits haunted remote and lawless corners of the country's Hinterland during much of the 19th century in the upheaval unleashed by the outbreak of Mexican Revolution. Looting of private property was widespread and trains were sometimes ambushed to steal their freight. Furthermore, small cells of drug smugglers thrived as small family businesses throughout the 20th century in states in close proximity to the US border.

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Research & analysis: Jose Miguel Alonso-Trabanco - an international relations professional who holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Intelligence and National Security. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Defense and Security Studies at Massey University, New Zealand.