Redefining Terrorism: Why Mexican Drug Trafficking is More than Just Organized Crime

Abstract

Mexican drug traffickers are more than criminals. They are terrorists. And that's not hyperbole. The tactics, strategy, organization, and even (to a limited extent) the goals of the Mexican drug cartels are all perfectly consistent with those of recognized terrorist organizations. Admittedly, the cartels lack the motivating political or religious ideology most terrorist groups display, and some argue this precludes the application of the "terrorist" label. However, we will show this objection is inclusive at best. Were the United States government to formally recognize the Mexican cartels as the terrorists they are--or at least hybrid organizations that employ terrorist tactics--a more effective range of options would become available for combating the cartels and curtailing the violence that todayengulfs the US/Mexico borderlands.