Mexico's role in the US-Mexico drug trade has deep historical roots that are intertwined with the country's social, political, and economic development. The drug trade played a significant role in fueling lawful economic growth in Mexico, becoming an integral part of the country's foundation. The emergence of opium cultivation in Durango, Mexico in the 1940s was a direct result of the closure of mines and the increasing demand for heroin in the United States. Despite US officials launching campaigns against the drug trade, local political bosses protected and profited from the opium trade [2dd6947a].
Between 1950 and 1970, Mexico's one-party state made substantial investments in public services, industrial development, and agriculture, leading to a doubling of the country's economy and a transformative period in its history. The construction of new roads during this time facilitated the transportation of drugs from Durango to the United States, establishing what became known as the 'heroin highway.' The profits from the drug trade were reinvested locally, contributing to further development in Mexico [2dd6947a].
The modern US-Mexico drug trade is a complex story of unintended consequences and transnational capitalist victories. It highlights the intricate relationship between the two countries and the lasting impact of the drug trade on Mexico's development [2dd6947a].
Mexico, the second-biggest economy in Latin America, is plagued by ultra-violent drug cartels and tensions with the United States over migration. The country shares a 1,900-mile border with the US, which is crossed by hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants each year. Former US president Donald Trump planned to build a wall to keep out migrants and make Mexico pay for it, while his successor Joe Biden suspended construction but ordered the installation of additional physical barriers. The drug cartels have made Mexico one of the most violent countries, with over 450,000 people murdered and tens of thousands missing since 2006. Mexico is the fourth-largest oil producer in the Americas and a major avocado exporter to the US. Mexican directors Alfonso Cuaron, Guillermo del Toro, and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu have made successful Hollywood films. Mexico is also known for its food, ancient pyramids, and being the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera [a8d0a135].
Mexico has not found a balance in its proximity to the United States. In 1990, then-President Carlos Salinas de Gortari proposed trade with Europe, Latin America, and the Far East, but negotiations for NAFTA began instead. Mexico's geographic proximity to the U.S. makes it a desirable base for reaching the U.S. market but also vulnerable to criminal activities. Proximity and integration create problems as Mexico could be a target in any attack on the U.S. Mexican-Americans and Mexicans in general would be potential victims. An attack on U.S. territory with biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons would likely affect Mexico and Canada. The economic impact of border closures after the September 11 attacks was significant. The Mexican government faces the choice of deepening its alliance with the U.S. or remaining on the sidelines [2945111f].
America and Mexico have a crucial and complicated relationship, with issues ranging from the border to the economy and cartels. America blames Mexico for high drug prices, but American demand keeps the cartels in business. The relationship between the two countries holds the keys to their future [066a397b].