Nathan P. Jones

Youth gang prevention in Mexico

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Mexico’s struggle with organized crime has consumed much of the policy agenda in the administrations of Felipe Calderón and now, Enrique Peña Nieto. Academics and policy analysts looking beyond the battles with high-level organized crime groups have identified street gangs in Mexico as a potential looming security threat. After conducting interviews with gang experts in Mexico, I discovered that security-centric responses often exacerbate the problem. Mexico would be better served by a long-term development and human rights-oriented strategy to address the problem of youths in gangs. Continue Reading →

Less fence, more task force

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In the last of a six-part Baker Institute Viewpoints series, experts respond to the question: What are the implications of expanding border security?

The Senate immigration bill provides a basis for the immigration debate in the United States. A key provision of the bill is an additional $46 billion for increased border security. While this level of spending will likely be included in the final compromise bill, it is not the best use of resources. As a recent Woodrow Wilson Center report argued, we have reached the point of diminishing returns on border security. Instead of trying to create an impenetrable wall at the border, we should use the resources to reinforce law enforcement in the nation’s interior, especially in border states, such as Texas. Continue Reading →

On the arrest of Mexican drug kingpin Z-40

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Yesterday’s arrest of Mexican drug cartel Los Zetas leader Miguel Treviño (Z-40) could be profound for Mexico. On the one hand, it sets an important precedent that no one is above the law, not even the leader of one of the nation’s most powerful organized crime groups. On the other hand, Z-40’s removal may portend increased violence as new leadership figures vie for power within the organization and rivals pounce on perceived vulnerability. Continue Reading →

What civil unrest in Brazil portends for the international system

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In the fourth of a seven-part Baker Institute Viewpoints series, we evaluate the impact that a new wave of civil unrest will have on international politics.

No one saw Brazil’s protests coming — not even those who organized them. The protests erupted approximately three weeks ago over the announced hike in bus fares and rapidly spread across the country. The protesters had many grievances, including poor health care and access to public services, and they included both the middle and lower classes — two groups that were supposed to have benefited from rising standards of living in recent years. Continue Reading →