Location: The Heritage Foundation's Lehrman Auditorium
President Calderon and the Mexican people are engaged in a
relentless conflict with Mexico's drug cartels. In 2008 the
number of casualties resulting from the complex fight climbed into
the thousands and has shaken Mexican public confidence. Under
President Calderon's leadership, Mexico's military and law
enforcement bodies are heavily engaged in the battle while
undergoing a process of reform and modernization. The
cross-border implications of the fight against the cartels are
impacting trade, investment climate, and border security.
Owing to the illicit drug trade out of Mexico, the Office of
National Drug Control Policy recently concluded "Mexican drug
trafficking organizations represent the greatest organized crime
threat to the U.S." At the same time arms, bulk cash, and
precursor chemicals flow southward into Mexico. The Merida
Initiative, launched by the Bush Administration, is providing $1.5
billion in counter-drug assistance to Mexico, Central America, and
parts of the Caribbean. With the arrival of the Obama
Administration, however, uncertain agendas, competing strategies,
and potential policy rifts in Washington could alter or weaken the
U.S. counter-drug and law enforcement response and open a dangerous
divide with Mexico.
More About the Speakers
Featuring Remarks by:
General Barry R. McCaffrey (ret.)
President,
BR McCaffrey Associates LLC
Followed by Commentaries from:
Stephen Johnson
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the
Western Hemisphere,
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Dr. Andrew Selee
Director,
Mexico Institute,
Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars
Hosted By
Ray Walser, Ph.D.
Senior Policy Analyst
Read More