Mercille (2011) (Mexico) Flashcards
When did the drug trade become relevant in Mexico ?
The drug trade through Mexico since the 1980s has flooded the country with drug money, leading to increased corruption within the police, military, and government.
What is the impact of this corruption ?
This corruption has resulted in numerous scandals involving officials’ involvement in narcotics, including convictions of generals and arrests of hundreds of public officials.
What has been the characterizing factor of American intervention in Mexico ?
The United States has prioritized expanding its influence in Latin America, often using military force to suppress opposition groups, over fighting corruption or defending human rights.
The “war on drugs” and the “war on terror” have provided pretexts for deepening military relations with Latin American countries, including Mexico.
Why is the US turning a blind eye to the serious crisis in Mexico ?
The U.S. has focused on strengthening its ties with the Mexican military, even turning a blind eye to narco-corruption, to protect its interests, particularly NAFTA and neoliberal reforms.
What is the Merida initiative ?
The Merida Initiative, in place since 2008, has provided significant financial and material support to Mexico, primarily for training and equipping military and police forces involved in counter-drug operations.
The arms industry benefits from equipment purchases made through the Merida Initiative, further strengthening the military-industrial complex.
How have the implemented reforms been received ?
Neoliberal reforms and NAFTA, implemented since the 1980s, have generated popular resentment, as they primarily serve the interests of elites.
What have been the impacts of these reforms ?
The militarization of internal repression has been on the rise, with Mexican military and police forces repressing groups and individuals opposing government policies.
What does the text say about American complicity in the financials of Mexico ?
U.S. banks, including Wachovia (now Wells Fargo), have been involved in laundering Mexican drug money, indicating complicity within the financial sector.
