Citizens’ Self-Defense Groups in Mexico: Rightful Defenders, Incontrollable Groups or Whistle-Blowers? Politique étrangère, Vol. 79, No. 4, Winter 2014

The rise of civilian self-defense groups in various states across Mexico since 2011 bear witness to the powerlessness and corruption of state bodies confronted with the pervasiveness of organized crime.

With no clear strategy, the State is currently wavering between the institutionalization and the dissolution of these groups. However, neither of these avenues make sense without the police and legal institutions regaining credibility at a national level.

This paper is in French only – Les groupes d’autodéfense civile au Mexique : défenseurs légitimes, groupes incontrôlables ou lanceurs d’alerte ?

Article published in Politique étrangère, Vol. 79, No. 4, Winter 2014

Keywords

Cartels Citizens’ Self-Defense Groups Corruption Organized crime State of law Mexico