Multidimensional Militarisation, Evidence From Mexico's War on Drugs

ABSTRACT

This article documents different dimensions of militarisation observed in Mexico since the start of the war on drugs. It argues that militarisation is a multidirectional phenomenon that is characterised by rationales that justify the use of illegal means to address complex issues, promising expediency and efficiency but rarely delivering on it. In this case, it provides evidence about tactical, economic and organisational dimensions. Its main contribution is to present an analytical review of these patterns, whereby faulty governance has led to profound institutional transformation caused by the crosstalk between the military and state institutions. It concludes by suggesting that further research is required on the organisational dimension to elucidate how militarisation can be a powerful transformative force in the institutions of the state beyond the tactical application of coercive force.