Cartel Network Evolution: From Trafficking Corridors to Criminal Governance

AI Summary

Mexican cartels have evolved from mere trafficking routes into complex transnational criminal networks with decentralized hubs, rendering leadership targeting strategies ineffective and creating institutionalized cocaine supply chains.

Mexican cartels have transitioned from drug-pipeline operators into adaptive transnational networks, writes Julieta Pelcastre in Diálogo Américas. The operational model is now based on decentralized hubs, making leadership-decapitation strategies ineffective. We’ve highlighted some key points from the article. Structural Evolution Cartel presence across Latin America now involves deliberate infrastructure-building. Alliances with FARC dissident factions institutionalize cocaine supply chains rather than … Read more The post Cartel Network Evolution: From Trafficking Corridors to Criminal Governance appeared first on Small Wars Journal by Arizona State University.