Plata o plomo: penetration, the purchase of power and the Mexican drug cartels.

Purpose – The paper aims to explore the penetration of power in Mexico by drug cartels and the attendant policy challenges to address the problem. Design/methodology/approach – The history of unlawful activity and cartels is discussed as well as the policy solutions being explored by the Mexican Government and its partners like the USA. Findings – The challenges are longstanding, complex and defy simple solutions. Concerted problem solving can change conditions on the ground. Research limitations/implications – The impact of longer term initiatives to strengthen the rule of law merits further study. Practical implications – Drug cartels are taking a huge toll on Mexico, particularly in terms of violence; this threatens not only Mexico but neighbouring countries as well. Originality/value – The problems Mexico faces are placed in historical context and in the context of the larger international trade in illicit drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]