Drug War : Diplomatic and Security Implications for Mexico and the United States

The drug war in Mexico is entering its fourth year as of 2011. The level of violence has spread throughout Mexico raising doubts as to Mexico's ability to win and assert its State authority. The violence in the Northern part of Mexico causes significant challenges for both Mexico and the United States. Not the least being the potential for violence spreading north of the Mexican border. Thus the central research question is what are the diplomatic and security effects of the drug war in Mexico on United States and Mexico relations? Is the United States doing enough to help Mexico in a war that has diplomatic, economic, and security implications for two nations that share more than a common border? The past interaction between Mexico and the United States may affect current diplomatic and security efforts to help Mexico succeed in the drug war. This paper applies a study of past diplomatic and security interactions to identify issues that hinder finding an appropriate solution that addresses the concerns of both nations in the drug war. Solutions for this ill structured problem need to address Mexico's sovereignty and the United States' desire to prevent spillover violence into the Southwest Border States.