The hottest Cartels Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

Mexico is not entirely governed by cartels, but some areas have a duopoly of power between the state and crime groups.
The concept of 'criminal governance' in parts of Latin America involves a duopoly of power - the state and the crime groups sharing control.
While cartels exert control in specific regions, the Mexican government still operates in those areas providing services, indicating a distinctive form of hybrid conflict.

El Mano Negra, a California hitman, shares details of his narco hits and cartel operations in the United States
Martinez, a prolific killer, operated for years without capture but finally faced trial and received multiple life sentences
Martinez's motives for murder ranged from 'honor killings' to serving drug traffickers, highlighting the dark reality of cartel violence in the US

Cartels in Mexico are larger and more powerful than street gangs, controlling entire territories and influencing local governance.
The division of cartels is analyzed in three levels: major transnational cartels, powerful regional cartels, and local cartels.
Cartel control varies in intensity across different areas in Mexico, with some places experiencing more overt control while others have quieter, but still impactful, operations.

Chiapas in Mexico is facing a serious crisis due to cartel invasions, leading to violence, instability, and control over various aspects of society.
The presence of cartels in Chiapas has caused significant disruption to the local economy, especially impacting cross-border trade and migration routes.
The government's absence and historical lack of strong presence in the region have allowed armed groups to flourish, leading to a complex web of power struggles and violence.

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Cartels in Mexico are one of the top employers with a large number of recruits that need to be replaced constantly to maintain their operations.
Reducing cartel recruitment is crucial in lowering violence in Mexico and preventing youths from joining these criminal organizations.
Mathematical modeling can provide insights into understanding and addressing the complex issue of organized crime in Mexico.

The interview sheds light on the complexities of the Mexican drug trade and the involvement of high-profile cartel members.
Dámaso's background as a narco junior and his interactions with powerful cartel figures offer insight into the inner workings of the criminal underworld.
The interview also touches on the intersection of narco politics, including cartel involvement in elections and negotiations with government officials.

Witnesses in a trial revealed deep connections between Mexican authorities and drug cartels, raising questions about government integrity.
The term 'narco state' is used to describe a government infiltrated by drug cartels, a label that has been applied to Mexico.
Despite the challenges, there are still functioning and legitimate institutions within Mexico that provide essential services to its people.

Cartels in Mexico use narrative warfare to depict strength and control in their propaganda videos.
There are unproven claims linking U.S. weapons to Mexican cartels through a video circulating on social media.
Cartels in Mexico have access to heavy weapons, sparking concern about escalating violence and an ongoing arms race.

Pirates targeted oil rigs and fishermen in Mexico's Gulf, revealing a lapse in law enforcement.
The sudden halt in piracy in January sparked various speculations, including gang conflict or cartel involvement.
The rise of piracy amidst oil industry decline in Mexico reflects broader challenges in law enforcement and security.

International cartels face challenges in surviving due to incentives to cheat and antitrust laws
One theory suggests that international cartels may be formed to offset wartime distortions and attract investment through higher prices
Another theory proposes that international cartels could serve as a way for countries to prevent alignment with enemies by providing benefits through monopoly profits