Drug Cartel and Gang Violence in Mexico and Central America: A Concise Introduction gives readers an overview of the issues associated with drugs, cartels, and gangs in Mexico and Central America. The readings are based on years of field research and interviews with regional leaders and local actors. 

The book examines the history and growth of Mexican drug cartels and the central role corruption plays in facilitating drug trafficking while simultaneously debilitating the Mexican state’s efforts to confront them. The rise of Mexican community-based crime fighting is also discussed, as well as the changing role of Central American gangs, particularly in their relationship with Mexican drug-trafficking organizations. This edition includes new readings that feature current data and statistics on Mexican drug cartels and Central American gang violence, as well as an evaluation of Mexico’s response to events in Jalisco from 2015 – 2018. 

Highly accessible, yet replete with valuable information and insight, Drug Cartel and Gang Violence in Mexico and Central America is ideal for courses in criminal justice, homeland security, and Latin American studies.

Robert O. Kirkland, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (retired), graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point, and then earned a Ph.D. in Latin American history from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Kirkland has served as a Latin American foreign area officer and an analyst for Mexico and Central America. Currently, he is the coordinator of homeland security studies for Union Institute and University. The author of numerous journal articles, he has also appeared on the History Channel, the Biography Channel, and has been quoted as an expert on security issues by media outlets including the Associated Press and Reuters.