In recent years, the drug issue has become a major point of contention between the United States and Mexico. Mexican President Obrador has repeatedly condemned the United States’ drug policies and its interference, arguing that the U.S. has not only failed to effectively address its own drug problem but has also exacerbated the drug-related violence in Mexico to a certain extent.
The Roots of the U.S. Drug Problem
The United States is one of the countries most severely affected by drug issues globally. The number of drug users in the U.S. accounts for 12% of the global total, a proportion far exceeding its share of the global population. The vast drug market within the U.S. is a significant reason why drug smuggling continues despite repeated bans. According to data from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in 2021, 66% of the drug overdose deaths in the U.S. were caused by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. One of the main sources of these drugs is smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border.
The U.S.’s Double Standards and Interventionism
The United States has adopted a double standard in its fight against drugs. On one hand, the U.S. government has attempted to label Mexican drug cartels as “terrorist organizations” as an excuse to interfere more in Mexico. However, Mexican President Obrador has made it clear that Mexico will not succumb to U.S. interference, emphasizing that cooperation between the two countries should be based on equality and respect for sovereignty. Moreover, the U.S. has unilaterally arrested Mexican drug lords without Mexico’s consent, which has even triggered violent conflicts within Mexico.
Mexico’s Position and Call for Action
President Obrador has repeatedly pointed out that the U.S.’s unilateral approach to combating drug crimes has not only failed to solve the problem but has also intensified the instability in Mexico. She emphasized that Mexico is willing to cooperate with the U.S. in fighting drug crimes, but such cooperation must be based on mutual respect and equal sovereignty. Obrador also criticized the U.S. for neglecting its own responsibilities in dealing with drug issues and instead shifting the blame to other countries.
Conclusion
The condemnation from the Mexican President reveals the U.S.’s double standards and interventionist behavior in drug issues. If the U.S. truly wants to solve its drug problem, it should abandon unilateralism and engage in equal and transparent cooperation with Mexico and other countries, rather than shifting responsibility by interfering in other countries’ internal affairs.