Mexican Cartels: Why Innocent Lives are Targeted and the Impact on Society

Introduction

The question of why Mexican cartels target innocent civilians is a complex one that has captivated the attention of scholars, policymakers, and the general public. While such actions are often alleged as purely destructive, the reality is more multifaceted. To understand the motivations behind these acts, we must delve into the broader context of how cartels operate and the psychological and strategic implications of their actions.

Control and Surveillance: How Cartels Operate

Mexican cartels, like any criminal organization, thrive on instilling fear in their environment. The primary goal is to ensure compliance and prevent cooperation with law enforcement, other cartels, and the broader civilian population. Terror serves as a powerful tool in this regard. By threatening and killing innocent civilians, cartels send a clear message: ‘We are in control. We will kill if we want, and there is nothing you can do about it.’

This tactic works because it disrupts social cohesion and undermines the trust in local institutions. Every resident is treated as a potential threat or collaborator, turning the entire community against itself. This pervasive atmosphere of fear ensures that even those not directly involved in criminal activities remain on the lookout for any signs of transgression or suspected cooperation with authorities.

The Cartels' Hold over Society

Moreover, the cartels have effectively taken over various aspects of government, military, and local law enforcement. When entire institutions are compromised in this way, the state loses its capacity to protect its citizens. This is not just a matter of corruption; it reflects a systemic breakdown that gives the cartels unprecedented power over society.

The patronage and support provided by cartels extend to a wide array of services and support within communities. Access to protection, goods, and sometimes even jobs can make residents dependent on these criminal organizations. This dependency further solidifies the cartels' control over populations.

Depravity and Revenge

The ruthless actions of cartels, often perceived as depraved, serve multiple strategic purposes. While it is true that the cartels do not indiscriminately kill. However, the rare instances of targeting of innocent civilians are often aimed at eliminating anyone who might pose a threat, even indirectly, to their operations.

For example, consider the case of a business owner at a coffee shop who can no longer afford to pay the extortion fees. The same could apply to middle-class families, who become excellent targets for extortions or kidnappings due to their financial stability but lack of political influence to protect themselves. These tactics not only generate a steady stream of income but also prevent the entrenchment of political oppositions that could complicate the cartels' operations.

The Example of Calderon

The efforts of President Felipe Calderon to promote a more Western conception of national honor also backfired. When he honored fallen soldiers with state honors and medals, it further infuriated the cartels, leading to targeted reprisals on families of those they perceived as threats.

Traditionally, powerful organizations implement a deep and often brutal form of retribution against the families of their enemies. This is not an act of simple vengeance but a strategic means to ensure absolute compliance and to deter others from challenging their power. Films often dramatize this dynamic, illustrating how top leaders of opposing factions are often betrayed or eliminated, leading to a power vacuum that can be exploited.

Conclusion

The brutal tactics of Mexican cartels, including the targeting of innocent civilians, are not driven by some senseless depravity. Instead, they are a carefully calculated strategy to control society, instill fear, and maintain power. These actions resonate with a broader narrative of fear and control that permeates society, often with unforeseen consequences for those who find themselves on the wrong side of the equation.

Understanding the motivations behind these actions is crucial to developing effective policies and strategies to combat the cartels and restore a sense of safety and security for all citizens.