Adapting, Transforming, and Modernizing Under Fire

The Mexican Military 2006-11

Despite considerable attention to and investment in Mexico’s law enforcement sector during the past 5 years, the armed forces continue to be the only Mexican institutions with the capabilities to conduct nationwide operations and the main implementers of the government’s security policy. This paper analyzes how the counternarcotics role has influenced, and in some cases directed, its modernization. It also addresses the main challenges the counternarcotics role is associated with, including human rights concerns, and proposes some options for its future.

This publication is subject to Title 17, United States Code, Sections 101 and 105. It is in the public domain and may not be copyrighted.

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