Failed State or Security Partner?

Relations between the United States of America and the United States of Mexico have always beenambivalent at the best of times. This holds true today. On the one hand Mexico is the United States single most important supplier of imported oil. On the other hand human trafficking, illegal immigration, and drug and weapon smuggling create significant tensions - on both sides of the border. Law enforcement agencies and armed forces of both nations work closely together, both in training...
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Relations between the United States of America and the United States of Mexico have always beenambivalent at the best of times. This holds true today. On the one hand Mexico is the United States single most important supplier of imported oil. On the other hand human trafficking, illegal immigration, and drug and weapon smuggling create significant tensions - on both sides of the border. Law enforcement agencies and armed forces of both nations work closely together, both in training and in the conduct of real-world counternarcotics operations. Washington remains the most vital source of technical assistance and equipment for Mexico's security agencies.Yet despite this partnership and support, some analysts in the United States despair at the apparent inability to suppress the Mexican crime syndicates. These cartels, with the aid of mercenaries recruited straight out of Mexico's most elite military units, are beginning to gain control over entire towns and regions. Termssuch as "Lebanonization" or impending "Failed State" are making the rounds in academic circles and on television talk shows alike. Here, nine policy experts specializing on Mexican security affairs and US-Mexican cooperation discuss the state and future of US-Mexican partnership. The nine essays were originally presented as expert testimony before Congress in May and June 2013.