Mexico's Deadly Hotspots: Why Violence Keeps Winning

Mexico's struggle with violence is not a new story. It's a complex issue that's been going on for years. The problem is not just about crime rates. It's about certain areas becoming hotspots for violence. These places, called necro-spaces, are controlled by different groups. Think of them as territories where life and death are decided by organized crime, self-defense forces, police, and the military. Researchers looked at data from 2004 to 2022. They found that these violent hotspots have been around for a long time. In some areas, they've even grown. The study shows that violent towns are usually next to other violent towns. This means that violence is not random. It's tied to the area and the people who control it. The government has tried different ways to stop the violence. One approach was to send in the military. This was during the "war on drugs. " But instead of making things better, it made them worse. Another approach was the "hugs, not bullets" strategy. This was supposed to be a softer way to deal with crime. But it didn't work either. So, what's the problem? The study suggests that the issue is deeper than just crime or military action. It's about the land and the rules that govern it. To fix this, the government needs to think about more than just security. They need to look at governance and the economy too. In short, violence in Mexico is a tough nut to crack. It's not just about crime rates. It's about who controls certain areas and how the government responds. Until these deeper issues are addressed, the violence will keep winning.