McGee, Sibel with Michael Joel and Robert Edson, "Mexico’s Cartel Problem: A Systems Thinking Perspective", 2011 July 24-2011 July 28

ua435

The unprecedented increase in recent years of cartel-related violence has presented growing challenges both to Mexico’s socio-political stability and to the United States’ (US) National interests. Current efforts to address Mexican cartels treat these organizations as only drug-trafficking networks and focus on law enforcement measures to interdict their operations. In this paper, we approach the cartel problem from a systems thinking perspective and present a holistic assessment of these complex criminal networks operating in multiple domains. By highlighting the dynamic relationships and complex feedbacks between critical variables involved in different domains of cartel operations, we identify the inherently systemic causal factors contributing to the problem situation. We argue that the efforts that rely on law enforcement measures and technological assistance alone will fail to produce lasting change. Instead they need to be coupled with high leverage strategies that address the socio-economic root causes that foster weak public institutions perpetuating illicit activities in Mexico.

This is the whole item.

Date created
  • 2011 July 24-2011 July 28
Type
Processing Activity License

ITEM CONTEXT

Part of

28441c340962a2b363963713d1bba533

Scope and Contents
Part of

e35e9d46c0556df862a8fbb9e32d2143

Scope and Contents
Part of

23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8

Scope and Contents
Collection

System Dynamic Society Records

Scope and Contents
Collecting area

Items