IDPC Briefing Paper - Mexico: Drug policy and security in the first six months of the Enrique Peña Nieto administration

In July 2012, the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) won the Mexican presidential elections after twelve years of government by the Partido de Acción Nacional (PAN). President Enrique Peña Nieto took office on 1st December. This paper analyzes the first six months of his administration from the standpoint of Mexican drug policy. Because drug policy in Mexico is closely tied to security, both issues are examined.

This report begins with a brief analysis of the context in which Peña Nieto began his term. It then analyzes government rhetoric on security and drugs. The next section examines some institutional changes that are part of the security strategy, the Social Prevention of Violence and Crime program, its link with drug policy and bilateral relations with the United States. The paper ends with a series of conclusions and recommendations.

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