UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA Los Angeles Mexican Drug Cartel
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Los Angeles Mexican Drug Cartel Influence in Government, Society, and Culture A thesis submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Latin American Studies by Jacob JiHyong Kim 2014 © Copyright by Jacob JiHyong Kim 2014 ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS Mexican Drug Cartel Influence in Government, Society, and Culture by Jacob JiHyong Kim Master of Arts in Latin American Studies University of California, Los Angeles, 2014 Professor Steven Loza, Chair Powerful drug cartels have left an indelible mark in Mexican history, and they continue to operate with relative impunity today. Efforts by authorities to curtail their influence have failed, largely because of their inability to learn from lessons of the past. This thesis examines the history of Mexican cartel influence- highlighting the problems in government, society and culture- to understand why and how cartel influence has spread. Authorities would benefit to use this knowledge to forge a more holistic approach in their war against Mexican cartels, as their current tactics lack much efficacy. Diminishing the formidable influence of Mexican drug cartels will likely reduce violence, corruption, sexism, drug use, crime, chauvinism, environmental damage, and human rights abuses. There is no singular method to make this happen. It would be beneficial for government and society to work together, using a variety of means and introducing new ideas as necessary, to combat drug cartels. iii The thesis of Jacob JiHyong Kim is approved. Bonnie Taub James W. Wilkie Steven Loza, Committee Chair University of California, Los Angeles 2014 iv DEDICATION PAGE To my beautiful wife, Emily, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure my success in this endeavor: Mi amor, tú eres mi todo v TABLE OF CONTENTS AND LISTS Page Preface 1 Introduction 1 History of Government Corruption 6 Taking Advantage of Weak Government 10 U.S.
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