The present paper analyzes, from the perspective of desecuritization theory, the manner in which Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) changed the policy of the Mexican government for tackling drug trafficking in the country from a military to a social approach. The aim is to establish whether this strategy has been successful in comparison with the open war waged against the drug cartels over the twelve years preceding the AMLO administration. Given that this desecuritization strategy resulted from political decision-making rather than social pressure, the analysis presented here focuses on the President’s position and the actions he has taken.
THE DESECURITIZATION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN MEXICO UNDER THE AMLO ADMINISTRATION
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PhD specialized on Security and policy on the drug trafficking combat in Mexico. Expert in strategies for crime and violence prevention in Mexico. Lead researcher with numerous publications focused in citizen security, police reforms with politically- sensitive awareness (Mexico). In-depth knowledge of bilateral relations US-Mexico citizen security policies, conducting several research projects in collaboration with US universities as a guest researcher. He has work experience as a political advisor and auditor, project management in academic research projects, and public policy strategic projects.
Resumo
O presente artigo analisa, a partir da perspetiva da teoria da dessecuritização, a maneira como Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) mudou a política do governo mexicano para enfrentar o narcotráfico no país de uma abordagem militar para uma abordagem social. O objetivo é estabelecer se esta estratégia foi bem sucedida em comparação com a guerra aberta travada contra os cartéis de drogas nos doze anos anteriores à administração AMLO. Dado que essa estratégia de dessecuritização resultou de uma decisão política e não da pressão social, a análise aqui apresentada concentra-se na posição do presidente e nas medidas que tomou.
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Como citar este artigo
Gamez, Luiz Miguel Morales (2022). The desecuritization of drug trafficking in Mexico under the AMLO administration. In Janus.net, e-journal of international relations. Vol13, Nº. 1, MayOctober 2022. Consulted [online] on the date of the last visit, https://doi.org/10.26619/1647-7251.13.1.8
Article received on 6 October, 2021 and accepted for publication on 14 March, 2022
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