Invading Mexico Will Not Solve the Cartel Problem

Invading Mexico will not effectively resolve the cartel problem and may worsen existing issues, such as migration and international relations. Military incursions could undermine bilateral cooperation and fail to yield strategic success, posing significant risks to U.S. interests, per commentary from Cato Institute.

The issue:  

The core challenge lies in addressing the complex and resilient nature of drug cartels in Mexico, which continue to thrive despite previous military efforts. Proposals for U.S. military action overlook historical insights, where past interventions did not eliminate cartel influence and often worsened violence.

What they recommend:  

No recommendations provided in the commentary.

Go deeper:  

Past military actions have shown that cartels adapt quickly, with violence often increasing despite tactical victories. Moreover, military incursions could severely damage U.S.-Mexico relations, which are crucial for joint efforts in managing migration and countering China’s growing influence. Understanding local dynamics and political support is essential for any proposed solution, highlighting the complexity of the issue.

This is a brief overview of a commentary from Cato Institute. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full commentary.