In the heat of the 2024 presidential race, prominent Republican figures, including Trump and DeSantis, are advocating for military interventions in Mexico to combat drug cartels. This stance raises alarms about future U.S.-Mexico relations and American foreign policy implications.
A Common Theme
As the 2024 presidential race sees Republican candidates differentiating themselves, a shared view emerges.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, ex-US ambassador Nikki Haley, and Donald Trump all propose using the US military against Mexican drug cartels.
DeSantis Said He Would Send U.S. Forces to Mexico on Day One
During the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee, DeSantis said he would send U.S. forces to fight Mexican drug labs that produce synthetic drugs “on day one.”
Trump Asks Advisors for Battle Plans
Although Trump wasn’t present at the debate, he also called for military intervention to fight Mexican drug cartels.
According to a Rolling Stone report, the former U.S. president asked advisors for military “battle plans” against Mexico if he won the election.
Republican Talk About Military Plans Keeps Growing
The conversation about military intervention to fight drug cartels south of the border emerged earlier this year, which was followed by Congress Republicans proposing formal war powers for the president to order U.S. troops against Mexican drug gangs.
New Legislation to Make It Possible
In March, Republicans introduced legislation to designate several cartel groups as “foreign terrorist organizations,” opening the door for the U.S. to use its military power.
Campaign Fodder
While the talk about sending the U.S. military to Mexico to curtail the flow of drugs has become fodder on the campaign trail for some presidential candidates and House Republicans, not everyone at the Tea Party is behind the approach.
Military Action Is Not Going to Solve the Problem
Trump’s third national security adviser John Bolton said that unilateral military operations “are not going to solve the problem.”
Foreign Experts Sound Alarm
Some foreign policy experts have also warned that growing calls for military operations in Mexico among Republicans shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Mexico’s Cooperation With the U.S. Is Crucial
One of the major concerns is that any type of intervention could deal a major blow to the already rocky U.S.-Mexico relations.
This could impact trade, intelligence sharing, and Mexico’s role in curbing migrants traveling to the U.S. from Central and South America.
A Real Threat
Still, there’s a concern that if a Republican – especially Trump – wins the 2024 election, U.S. military action against Mexican cartels could become a reality.
Fentanyl Shipments are on the Rise
The growing calls for military intervention are prompted by an increased growth of fentanyl shipments into the United States.
Fentanyl Is Behind Fatal Overdoses in the United States
Fentanyl is a strong synthetic opioid drug that’s become a major contributor to fatal and nonfatal overdoses in the U.S in recent years.
Fentanyl is Known for a Heroin-like Effect
While pharmaceutical fentanyl is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, the majority of overdose cases are related to illegally made fentanyl, which is known for its heroin-like effect.
Mexican President Strikes Back
Mexican President Manuel Lopez Obrador said Republican calls are “a lack of respect for our independence and sovereignty.”
Mexico will Not Allow Any Foreign Government to Intervene
“We’re not going to allow any foreign government to intervene, much less the armed forces of a foreign government,” he said.
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Source: Politico