Jesús Daniel Romero and William Acosta for Poder & Dinero and FinGurú
Introduction
The drug trafficking in Mexico has evolved over the last few decades, becoming a complex phenomenon that not only affects national security but also has profound social, economic, and political implications. In this context, Mexican nationalism has emerged as a factor that, while seeking sovereignty and unity for the country in many aspects, has also contributed to strengthening the influence and power of drug cartels. This article explores how nationalism, in its various manifestations, can empower these criminal organizations and what strategies can be implemented to counter this problem.
Context of Mexican Nationalism
Mexican nationalism has been a powerful force in the country's history, driving struggles for its independence and sovereignty. However, in recent times, it has acquired new nuances, emphasizing the defense of cultural identity and resistance to foreign influence, especially towards the United States. This resurgence of nationalism has generated a narrative that, instead of unifying society, has polarized the population and left room for drug cartels to insert themselves as relevant actors in the social fabric.
Drug Trafficking and Nationalism: A Dangerous Link
Recent history in Mexico is marked by the intervention of the United States in internal affairs, from the Cristero War to the current war on drugs. This context has fueled distrust towards the U.S. government, creating a conducive environment for cartels to present themselves as defenders of national pride. By positioning themselves as alternatives to foreign influence, these criminal groups manage to gain followers in vulnerable communities that feel neglected by the government.
Cartels, like nationalism, thrive on codes of honor and loyalty. These organizations often present themselves as protectors of local culture and traditions, using a narrative that resonates in many rural communities. This identification with local culture allows them to establish a social control that goes beyond mere coercion, becoming social actors that offer protection and justice in regions where the state has failed.
In many regions of Mexico, the informal economy and drug trafficking have intertwined to the point that many families depend on the activities of the cartels. The promise of employment, although illegal, is presented as a form of economic resistance against a system that often seems to ignore the basic needs of the population. This cycle of dependency strengthens the cartels and allows them to maintain their influence at the local level.
Strategic Implications
The empowerment of cartels through nationalism not only undermines state authority but also destabilizes fundamental institutions. Corruption, violence, and fear become tools they use to achieve their ends, weakening public trust in government and security forces.
The nationalist narrative can lead to social polarization, where certain sectors of the population see cartels as heroes fighting against an oppressive system, while others see them as the main perpetrators of violence and crime. This division complicates the implementation of effective public policies and the strengthening of social fabric.
As cartels gain power, the risk of open conflict between them and state forces increases. This can lead to an escalation of violence, affecting not only those directly involved but also the civilian population caught in the midst of this struggle.
Strategies to Counter the Empowerment of Cartels
It is crucial to invest in strengthening government and security institutions. This includes ensuring transparency, accountability, and training security forces to effectively confront drug trafficking with community support.
Implementing policies that promote economic development in vulnerable regions is essential to reduce dependence on drug trafficking. Investing in education, infrastructure, and job opportunities can provide real alternatives to communities currently dependent on cartels.
Fostering a culture of legality and civic responsibility can help undermine the narrative that presents cartels as defenders of the homeland. Civic education should focus on democratic values, respect for the law, and social responsibility.
The fight against drug trafficking requires robust international collaboration. Mexico must work alongside other countries, particularly the United States, to address the root causes of the problem and establish strategies that are effective on both sides of the border.
How the Trump Administration Can Help Fight Cartels More Effectively and Secure the Border
The Trump administration can play a crucial role in the fight against drug cartels by strengthening bilateral cooperation. Increasing intelligence sharing between Mexico and the United States can help identify and dismantle criminal networks more effectively. Additionally, implementing economic assistance programs that support development in vulnerable communities in Mexico could reduce dependence on drug trafficking.
Border oversight and control are also essential aspects. Improving border security through advanced technology and a greater number of agents can help prevent the trafficking of drugs and weapons. Collaborating with Mexican security forces for their training is another way the United States can contribute, ensuring these institutions are more effective and less vulnerable to corruption.
Finally, diplomatic pressure on the Mexican government to implement reforms in the judicial and security sectors can be an important step in addressing the impunity that allows cartels to operate freely. This combination of strategies could lead to a more effective fight against drug trafficking and increased security at the border.
Drug Trafficking and Corruption: Forms of Violence in Mexico in 2025 Under Claudia Sheinbaum's Presidency
Despite efforts to contain violence, Mexico continues to face a significant rise in homicide incidents. In 2025, statistics reflect that, although policies have been implemented to reduce violence, criminal groups continue to operate with impunity, leading to a troubling increase in drug-related murders and other crimes.
Claudia Sheinbaum's administration has sought to reorient the fight against drug trafficking, emphasizing prevention and community strengthening. However, the aftermath of the war on drugs initiated by Calderón still lingers, generating an atmosphere of distrust and fear in many regions.
Organizations engaged in drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping remain powerful actors. The dismantling of some of these networks has been successful, but the emergence of new groups has complicated the landscape.
Violence and abuses by the police and military continue to be a concern. Although the government has implemented training and oversight programs, cases of corruption and abuse of power persist, deteriorating public trust in institutions.
Violence remains a central theme in public debate. The Sheinbaum administration has attempted to address violence as a structural problem, but the perception of insecurity continues to affect politics and everyday life.
Media coverage of violence often tends to be sensationalist. However, there is a growing effort by some journalists and media outlets to promote a narrative that seeks to understand the root causes of violence rather than simply report the facts.
The interrelation between the police and organized crime remains a serious problem. Endemic corruption at various levels of government has hindered efforts to combat drug trafficking effectively.
Corruption networks continue to operate, and although efforts have been made to increase governmental transparency, corruption scandals continue to affect Mexican politics, undermining trust in institutions.
In many communities, drug trafficking continues to be seen as a pathway to social ascension, especially in contexts of poverty. The culture of success associated with drug trafficking persists despite efforts to promote alternatives.
The acquisition of consumer goods through drug trafficking continues to be a status symbol in certain communities, challenging values of legality and hard work.
The lack of accountability remains a significant obstacle. Many crimes remain unresolved, and the sense of impunity fuels violence and corruption.
It is crucial to advance reforms that strengthen judicial and security institutions. The Sheinbaum administration has proposed several initiatives to improve transparency and accountability, but effective implementation of these reforms remains a challenge.
Conclusion
Mexican nationalism, although rooted in the pursuit of sovereignty and cultural identity, has created an environment that empowers drug cartels. To face this challenge, a comprehensive approach that strengthens institutions, promotes economic development, and fosters a culture of legality and civic responsibility is necessary. Only then can a Mexico be constructed where national pride is not used as an instrument to perpetuate violence and organized crime. Drug-related violence and corruption in Mexico in 2025 remain a complex phenomenon involving multiple actors. Despite efforts by Claudia Sheinbaum's administration to address these issues from a more comprehensive and social perspective, the interrelation between violence, corruption, and public perception continues to present significant challenges. Understanding these elements is essential to develop effective strategies that address the crisis of violence and promote positive social change in the country. Unfortunately, Sheinbaum seems to follow a very similar leftist line to that maintained by Manuel López Obrador with presidents Maduro and Petro, responsible for large and substantial amounts of cocaine sent to the United States via Mexico. The billions of dollars generated by Colombian drug trafficking and the Cartel of the Suns, along with Mexican cartels, find their way into political campaigns, including the party that placed Sheinbaum in the presidency.
Credits:
El Comercio
El Telégrafo
La Hora
El País de España
The New York Times
The Washington Post
CNN
Reuters
Jesús Romero is a retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer. He enlisted in the Navy in 1984, and was designated as a Naval Intelligence Officer. He also served as an intelligence operations specialist in the army's civil service. He was a deckhand on a nuclear missile cruiser. He then had the opportunity to be a navigator and, after 8 years, became an officer.
Romero became an officer through the Navy's Enlisted Program, graduating with honors from Norfolk State University with a degree in Political Science. Thanks to his good academic results, he was able to choose the field of intelligence. He studied aviation and then entered intelligence school. He was assigned to an A-6 Intruder squadron, a tactical bomber operating from the USS America aircraft carrier, with which he went to Bosnia, Iraq, and Sudan.
He then commanded an intelligence unit in Panama, working for the Defense Intelligence Agency, and supervised tactical team analysts in Central and South America, and Mexico. He worked in an intelligence center in Hawaii as the China watch officer, where he monitored military activities of the Asian country.
After retiring from the Navy, Romero was a defense contractor for the North American Division of British Aerospace Systems (BAE) in Washington, D.C., and also for Booz Allen Hamilton in Miami.
William L. Acosta is the founder and CEO of Equalizer Private Investigations & Security Services Inc. An authorized investigation agency in NYS, FL, with offices and affiliates around the world.
Equalizer maintains offices and subsidiaries in the United States in New York, Florida, California, and Latin America. Since 1999, Equalizer's investigations have successfully closed cases ranging from Narcotics, Homicides, Missing Persons, and other crimes.
Equalizer has been involved in criminal defense in both State and Federal cases ranging from Homicide, Narcotics, RICO, Money Laundering, Conspiracy, and other federal and state charges.
Mr. Acosta has coordinated investigations in the U.S. and other countries around
Has directed or coordinated investigations related to international drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicides, and has also served as an instructor and international speaker on various research topics.
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