Mexico’s Shift in Security: A Humanist Approach to Pacifying Michoacán and Beyond
The murder of a mayor is often a symptom, not the disease. In Michoacán, Mexico, the recent assassination of Uruapan’s mayor, Carlos Manzo, has laid bare a deeper crisis – one President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is tackling not with a renewed “war on drugs,” but with a radical shift towards a humanist, community-driven approach to security and justice. This isn’t simply a change in tactics; it’s a fundamental rethinking of how Mexico addresses organized crime, and it could redefine security strategies across Latin America.
Beyond the Calderón Doctrine: A Rejection of Militarization
For over a decade, Mexico’s response to escalating cartel violence has largely followed the playbook established by former President Felipe Calderón: direct military confrontation. While intended to dismantle criminal organizations, this strategy resulted in widespread human rights abuses, a surge in civilian casualties, and, critically, failed to quell the violence. President Sheinbaum is explicitly rejecting this path. “We do not believe in that because we are humanists,” she stated, emphasizing the dangers of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions. This stance represents a significant departure, signaling a move away from a punitive, enforcement-focused model towards one prioritizing prevention, social development, and the rule of law.
“The ‘kingpin strategy’ – focusing on eliminating cartel leaders – has consistently proven to be a short-term fix with long-term destabilizing consequences. Removing a leader often creates a power vacuum, leading to increased infighting and fragmentation, ultimately exacerbating violence.” – Dr. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, Professor of Political Science, George Mason University (via personal communication).
A Three-Pillar Plan for Michoacán: Security, Development, and Education
The proposed “Michoacán Plan for Peace and Justice” rests on three core pillars: security and justice, economic development with justice, and education and culture for peace. This holistic approach recognizes that addressing organized crime requires more than just law enforcement. It demands tackling the root causes of violence – poverty, lack of opportunity, and social exclusion. The plan’s emphasis on consultation with diverse sectors of Michoacán society – indigenous communities, farmers, business leaders, religious figures, and local officials – is crucial. Genuine buy-in from the population is essential for any long-term security strategy to succeed.
The Avocado Factor: Addressing Economic Drivers of Crime
Michoacán is the heartland of Mexico’s avocado industry, a multi-billion dollar export. However, this economic success has also attracted criminal organizations seeking to control production and extort producers. President Sheinbaum specifically highlighted the need to review the avocado industry, eliminate extortion, and improve working conditions for agricultural laborers. This demonstrates a recognition that economic activity can be both a driver of and a solution to insecurity. Addressing these issues is not simply about protecting an industry; it’s about dismantling a key source of funding for criminal groups and providing legitimate economic opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Rejecting Intervention: Sovereignty and Self-Determination
President Sheinbaum also firmly rejected calls for U.S. intervention in Michoacán, asserting that neither war nor external interference is the answer. This stance underscores Mexico’s commitment to national sovereignty and its belief in a domestically-driven solution. While international cooperation is valuable, Sheinbaum argues that imposing external solutions risks repeating the failures of the past. This position reflects a growing trend in Latin America towards greater regional autonomy and a rejection of externally imposed security models.
Sovereignty as a Security Imperative: Mexico’s rejection of U.S. intervention highlights the growing recognition that lasting security solutions must be rooted in national ownership and tailored to local contexts.
The 32% Drop in Homicides: Early Signs of Success?
While the situation in Michoacán remains volatile, President Sheinbaum points to a 32% decrease in homicides nationwide since October 2024 as evidence that her administration’s broader security strategy is yielding results. This strategy, based on addressing root causes, strengthening the National Guard, fostering inter-institutional collaboration, and improving intelligence gathering, offers a potential alternative to the failed militarized approach. However, it’s crucial to note that correlation doesn’t equal causation, and a sustained reduction in violence will require consistent implementation and adaptation of the plan.
The Role of Intelligence and Inter-Agency Cooperation
A key component of Sheinbaum’s strategy is enhanced intelligence gathering and improved collaboration between security agencies. This involves not only collecting information about criminal organizations but also analyzing the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to their growth. Effective intelligence-led policing requires investment in training, technology, and data analysis capabilities, as well as strong mechanisms for inter-agency coordination. See our guide on Intelligence-Led Policing Strategies for more information.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Security in Mexico
The Michoacán Plan represents a pivotal moment for Mexico. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for addressing insecurity in other regions of the country and inspire similar approaches elsewhere in Latin America. However, significant challenges remain. Criminal organizations are deeply entrenched, corruption is pervasive, and public trust in institutions is low. Overcoming these obstacles will require sustained political will, significant investment in social programs, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Did you know? Mexico’s avocado exports are worth over $3 billion annually, making it the world’s leading producer and exporter of the fruit. This economic importance makes the industry a prime target for criminal organizations.
The Potential for Community Policing and Restorative Justice
Beyond the immediate security measures, the long-term success of the Michoacán Plan may hinge on the implementation of community policing initiatives and restorative justice programs. Building trust between law enforcement and local communities is essential for gathering intelligence, preventing crime, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for security. Restorative justice approaches, which focus on repairing harm and reintegrating offenders into society, offer a potential alternative to traditional punitive measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between Sheinbaum’s approach and the previous “war on drugs”?
A: Sheinbaum’s approach prioritizes addressing the root causes of crime – poverty, lack of opportunity, and social exclusion – through social programs and economic development, rather than relying solely on military force.
Q: Will the Michoacán Plan involve any military presence?
A: While the plan doesn’t explicitly rule out the involvement of the National Guard, the emphasis is on a civilian-led approach with a focus on intelligence gathering and community engagement.
Q: What role will the United States play in Mexico’s security strategy?
A: President Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico will collaborate with the U.S. on issues of mutual concern, but rejects any form of intervention in its internal affairs.
Q: How will the success of the Michoacán Plan be measured?
A: Success will be measured not only by a reduction in violence but also by improvements in social and economic indicators, such as poverty rates, employment levels, and access to education.
The path forward for Mexico is not without its obstacles, but President Sheinbaum’s humanist approach to security offers a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful and just future. What are your predictions for the long-term impact of this shift in strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
