Analysis of the viability of the strategy pursued by the US on Mexico's war on drugs from a conflict resolution perspective

The main objective is to assess whether or not the results of the confrontational strategy have met expectations, and to propose alternative and peaceful solutions to the problems of drug addiction and drug violence. This work does not attempt to bring an end to the conflict, but to transform it and make it manageable for all the parties involved. The thesis goes into the context of the drug war in the American continent; how drug consumption became a problem in the US, and how their attempts to solve it have focused entirely on the destruction of production and smuggling networks, instead of controlling their growing demand. This strategy has taken their war to other countries, including Mexico. Today, Mexico is one of the most important battlefields in the war against drugs; and its outcome is crucial in defining whether or not it is advantageous to carry on with it any longer. For better understanding, the Mexican Drug War is compared to some historically similar examples: the Colombian Drug War and the Prohibition. The Colombian Drug War is seen as a success by some at a national scale, but when we look at the consequences the struggle had on drug business at a worldwide level, this success is put into question. On the other hand, the Prohibition is a clear example of how ending a war on an inanimate object can push out gang violence out of the streets; also, it demonstrates how a vice, such as alcoholism, can be treated through public health and prevention campaigns, instead of inadequately suppressed. These events are then assessed from a conflict resolution perspective, thus identifying the disadvantages of the current strategy. Based on relevant theories from this academic branch,the possible future outcomes derived from a hypothetical change in course of action are analyzed. The effects this would have on a population that has grown accustomed to violence are also discussed. Keywords: Drug War, Mexico, United States, Conflict Resolution, Colombia, Prohibition