Breathe
By Lila Abed
The relationship between Mexico and the United States has deteriorated due to a lack of cooperation on security issues, particularly the illicit trafficking of fentanyl. This phenomenon, which presents a profound public health crisis in the U.S., has dominated the bilateral agenda in recent months. It has become not only an issue of political tension on both sides of the border, but also at the international level. The illicit trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids certainly requires a joint response to preserve the mutual trust that is so necessary to be able to work as a team in combating organized crime, but perhaps even more important will be the political will of the various actors involved in the two countries, for without it, no matter how many strategies and new security cooperation agreements are in place, few results will be achieved.
Politics and fentanyl in the U.S.
The issue of fentanyl is a public health and safety issue, but like many things, at its core, it is always dominated by politics. In recent weeks, both Democrats and Republicans have spoken out about the harm opioids have caused in the United States. Their messages, proposals, and solutions naturally differ. Democrats have taken a more moderate stance, advocating greater collaboration with Mexico to reduce the trafficking of this substance into their country, while their opponents have adopted more aggressive measures. Various Republican voices have called for military intervention in Mexico in order to weaken organized crime activities and the designation of Mexican cartels as international terrorist organizations.
