Unmasking Mexico's Crisis: Violence, Governance, and Economic Policies
Episode Overview
Challenges conventional narratives about the 'war on drugs' and 'failed state'. Explores how neoliberal reforms and free trade agreements have impacted Mexico. Discusses the imbrication of crime, politics, economics, and governance. Highlights the shift towards 'hyper-sovereignty and under-administration'. Shares personal anecdotes about bringing anthropological perspectives into public debates.
The current crisis is not a rupture but a transformation in the social fabric.
In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', Marshall Poe sits down with Claudio Lomnitz to discuss his eye-opening book, 'Sovereignty and Extortion: A New State Form in Mexico'. Lomnitz dives into the extreme violence that has plagued Mexico over the past fifteen years, challenging conventional narratives about the 'war on drugs' and the notion of a 'failed state'.
Instead, he presents a nuanced view that highlights how neoliberal reforms, free trade agreements, and the burgeoning drug economy have fundamentally reshaped Mexico's sociopolitical landscape. Lomnitz draws from a multidisciplinary perspective, combining anthropology, history, sociology, and philosophy to paint a vivid picture of the imbrication of crime, politics, economics, and governance in Mexico. He argues that the current crisis is not a rupture but a transformation in the social fabric, revealing a shift towards what he terms 'hyper-sovereignty and under-administration'.
This episode is rich with insights into how cartel-related violence, police corruption, and the militarisation of society intersect to create a complex web of power dynamics. The conversation also delves into Lomnitz's personal experiences and reflections on his work. He shares anecdotes about his collaboration with his brother on award-winning plays and his efforts to bring anthropological perspectives into public debates on violence and political change.
Lomnitz's approach is both academic and deeply personal, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in understanding the deeper forces at play in Mexico's ongoing crisis. If you're curious about how violence, governance, and economic policies intertwine in modern Mexico, this episode is a must-listen. It offers a fresh perspective that challenges simplistic explanations and encourages a deeper understanding of the issues. So, why not give it a listen and broaden your horizons?