The Previous Strategy and Its Limitations
Every six years in Mexico, a new administration promises to reinvent the security strategy, only to discover that there are no shortcuts. The previous administration encapsulated its doctrine in a memorable yet controversial phrase: “abrazos, not balazos” – the idea that violence should not be countered with more violence and a promise to tackle social causes to reduce insecurity.
While the social programs like Sembrando Vida, Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro, and educational scholarships were widely supported, the “no balazos” aspect was misinterpreted by many as the state’s renunciation to legitimate use of force.
Images of retreating military personnel, communities disarming soldiers, or citizens confronting crime symbolized a strategy that mistook caution for inaction, leading to a growing sense of defenselessness.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s New Direction
Under Claudia Sheinbaum’s leadership, there seems to be a shift. While maintaining the social component, her discourse and actions focus on a “abrazos, inteligencia y balazos” policy. This formula integrates information and technology in crime pursuit, while also reasserting direct state action.
Homicide rates have shown a decline in several states, and operations against fentanyl trafficking or the capture of violence-generating individuals reflect an attempt to balance force and prevention.
The Evolving Nature of Crime
However, the current challenge extends beyond shootouts or homicide rates. Insecurity has reconfigured itself territorially and economically.
In numerous municipalities, criminal groups now control entire productive activities: transportation, mining, avocado, chicken, lemon, and even beer distribution. They extort, collect “right of passage” fees, regulate who enters or leaves, and often do so with institutional complicity.
Though the Congress approving the Anti-Extortion Law is a positive step, it will be futile without a deeper component: investigating and penalizing corruption. Without clean authorities, no law will be effective.
Michoacán as a Case Study
The recently unveiled Michoacán Plan aims to restore peace in that state, potentially serving as a laboratory for this new strategy.
It proposes increased federal presence, better coordination, and regional development. However, it lacks a crucial element: investigating the corruption networks sustaining violence.
Michoacán embodies the national problem: armed groups controlling territories, compromised authorities, and an exhausted civil society. Restoring peace requires breaking the chain of complicities, not just deploying patrols.
Blurred Lines Between Politics and Crime
Time is of the essence. In less than a year, 17 states will initiate processes to renew governorships and mayoral positions.
The question arises: what measures will political parties take to prevent crime-infiltrated or financed candidates? Each election is a gateway for dark interests.
If parties prioritize winning over ensuring honest governments, the vicious cycle will persist. Criminals have learned that political power is more profitable than guns, now seeking control over budgets and decisions rather than just territories.
An Integrated Strategy
The government seems to finally grasp that insecurity is not an ideological issue but one of institutional strength.
It’s not about choosing between hugs or bullets, but ensuring that those dispensing justice are not on the wrong payroll.
If we achieve this, perhaps for the first time, we’ll avoid witnessing the same movie every six years.
Key Questions and Answers
- What were the limitations of the previous security strategy? The previous administration’s “abrazos, not balazos” doctrine, while well-intentioned, led to a perception that the state was reluctant to use force, contributing to a growing sense of defenselessness.
- How is the new approach different? Under Claudia Sheinbaum, the strategy emphasizes “abrazos, inteligencia y balazos,” integrating technology and information in crime pursuit while reasserting direct state action.
- What are the new challenges in dealing with crime? Crime has evolved to control entire productive activities and exert influence over institutions, making corruption a significant issue rather than mere poverty.
- Why is Michoacán significant? Michoacán represents the national problem of territorial control by armed groups, compromised authorities, and an exhausted civil society. Its recovery requires breaking corruption networks.
- How does crime intersect with politics? Criminal groups are increasingly interested in controlling budgets and decisions, not just territories. This intersects with politics through corrupting authorities or placing their own in power.
- What is the key to a sustainable solution? Ensuring that those dispensing justice are not on the wrong payroll is crucial. This requires addressing institutional weaknesses rather than ideological choices.
