Public Enemy Number One

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Mexico’s economic struggles have given life to ruthless organizations known as the Mexican drug cartels. These drug lords have been a growing source of conflict for decades and fuel the continuous war being fought against drugs. The socio-economic statuses of the areas that harbor these gangs have a direct impact on the cartels’ migration to the United States. America’s more stable economy has enticed the cartels to capitalize on the demand for drugs. Through collaboration between Mexico and the United States the fight to reduce the smuggling and violence on the border can be reduced.

Mexico is ranked as the fourth largest country that is located in the western hemisphere. Their efforts to improve and modernize the economy have been slowed down by the nation’s rugged terrain, limited farm land, and very fast growing population. As of July 2010, there was an estimated 112,468,855 people living in Mexico. About seventy six percent of the population has moved from underdeveloped areas to more developed ones located along the border that the United States and Mexico share. The country has made relatively little economic or political progress, and the people of Mexico continue to struggle. (U.S. Department of State) Because of the lack of economic stability, the drug cartels have become a catastrophic force and are now pushing their destruction into the United States. Due to the lack of jobs and resources many people have felt the need to join the cartel to guarantee the survival of their families.

The lack of resources and week government has left Mexico vulnerable to corruption. This vulnerability has let the cartels take control and take advantage of the country’s weakness. They have been a dominating force in Mexico for decad...

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...ct. 2007. Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division. 29 Oct. 2011 .

Dudley, Steven. Director. "Juárez Cartel." Insight - Organized Crime in the Americas. 29 Jan. 2011. 13 Nov. 2011 .

Kerlikowske, R. Gil.Director. "2011 National Drug Control Strategy." The White House. 14 Nov. 2011 .

"Mexico." U.S. Department of State. 14 Dec. 2010. Bureau of Public Affairs. 10 Nov. 2011 .

Suddath, Claire. "A Brief History of The War on Drugs - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. 25 Mar. 2009. Time World. 13 Nov. .

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