Cartels at War: Mexico's Drug-Fueled Violence and the Threat to U.S. National Security
“Cartels at Waris a masterful work. Paul Kan not only analyzes the phenomenon of high-intensity crime in Mexico, but he goes on to provide sound recommendations and policy responses. The geocriminality section of the book is brilliant, as are his discussions concerning Mexico’s possible futures, his perspective on the role of violent entrepreneurs, and the mosaic aspect of the war itself.”—Robert J. Bunker, instructor, Los Angeles High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Office of National Drug Control Policy“This highly incisive and compelling analysis of Mexican drug-trafficking violence provides an important counterweight to the many discussions of the subject characterized by hyperbole and hysteria. Paul Kan frames the issue in terms of high-intensity crime, a conception that goes well beyond oversimplistic labels such as narcoterrorism and criminal insurgency, and provides the basis for a valuable discussion of possible outcomes and a concise examination of strategic options for Mexico and the United States. The insights are many and valuable, the judgments judicious and mature, and the book is a must read for students of Mexican drug trafficking and violence.”—Phil Williams, Posvar Chair of International Security and director, Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies, University of Pittsburgh