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LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

A daily publication Of the dialogue

August 10, 2023

Has Mexico’s Military Taken on Too Much Power?

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has broadened the role of the country’s military since he took office in 2018. // File Photo: Mexican Government.

Q

  • The Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI), the unit tasked with investigating the 2014 disappearance of 43 student teachers in the Mexican state of Guerrero, said in a statement on July 25 that the Mexican Navy and Army “collaborated” in the students’ disappearance and had participated in tampering with key evidence. The Mexican armed forces have long denied involvement in the case. The GIEI also announced that it would terminate its work, saying the state has failed to provide it with access to important information. The developments came as Mexico’s military has increased in size, taken over some traditionally civilian jobs and assumed a greater national security role under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. What does the GIEI report signal about the current state of Mexico’s military? What effect has increased militarization in Mexico had on civilian life? How likely is the military to maintain its increased role after López Obrador leaves office next year?

A

Rebecca Bill Chavez, president and CEO of the Inter-American Dialogue: “As countries across Latin America and the Caribbean grapple with the very real challenge of criminal violence and growing perceptions of insecurity, Mexico should serve as a cautionary tale that illustrates the dangers of militarization, a major factor in democratic backsliding. When the process in Mexico officially got underway in 2006, it was meant to be a short-term solution. Almost two decades later, and despite its failure (crime and homicide rates have continued to rise), the armed forces’ role in law enforcement and civilian life more generally has increased dramatically, leading to the egregious human rights abuses, corruption and impunity captured by the tragic Ayotzinapa case. Despite his campaign promises to return the military to the barracks, AMLO has…”

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The Inter-American Dialogue publishes the Latin America Advisor every business day for a distinguished membership of informed corporate leaders, scholars, and government officials invested in Latin America’s development and future. The Advisor‘s highly regarded Q&A section covers questions submitted by subscribers themselves. Commentators regularly include heads of state, business leaders, diplomats, economists, analysts, and thought leaders from around the world. Many of the world’s largest and fastest-growing companies subscribe to the Advisor. To subscribe, click here. For terms and conditions, click here. For more information, contact Gene Kuleta, editor of the Advisor, at gkuleta@thedialogue.org.
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