U.S. Northern Command's Security Role in Mexico: An Indirect Approach to Building Capacity among the Mexican Military

摘要

The deteriorating security situation resulting from the drug war in Mexico poses significant threat to U.S. national security. As the geographic combatant command responsible for homeland security, U.S. Northern Command has a vested interest in addressing this instability. At the core of the instability in Mexico is civil and judicial institutional dysfunction, and long term security cannot be realized until this issue is addressed. However, when confronted with options for addressing the instability resulting from the drug war, Northern Command must select a course of action that fulfills its defense in depth concept. The Mexican military is a viable, trusted state institution and is capable of effectively challenging the threat posed by Mexican drug cartels. In light of this, U.S. Northern Command can have the most positive impact on the security situation in Mexico through indirect capacity building efforts and increased engagement with the Mexican military.