It's part of the problem, but from some articles I've read, there are plenty of other ways for the cartels to monetize that involve lots of crazy violence. In particular, Pemex and their oil. Google "mexico cartels oil" and you'll see plenty of stuff pop up.
True organized crime in Mexico is not just drugs though drugs is a big part of it. Human trafficking Gun trafficking (though largely associated with drugs) extortion (various types) Gambling Prostitution By now, with all the billions earned, Mexico's organized crime will also be involved with everyday types of economic activity that the average person doesn't see or know about (real estates, bars, construction, marine industry etc...) It would be interesting to see how ending the War on Drugs in the United States would influence organized crime in Mexico. I think it would weaken it considerably but organized crime will adapt.
this wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_drug_trade#Mexico Estimates its yearly profit at $25-$30 billion, which would make it one of the most profitable organizations in the world for sure.
I would love to hear OP's prediction of what "the end" is that we are beginning. A rough timetable for events leading to this "end" would be great, too, so we can follow along in real time. This is just about the only way on the planet that you could unite the far right Xenophobic Trumpists with the far left anti-Trumpists. There is a unique reason for every shade of the political spectrum to become outraged in this scenario.
A Puerto Rican can move to the US. I think Mexicans would be happy to do that. PR GDP/capita 30k Mex is GDP/capita 9k. PR is way better off being under US.
This time you survived without being carjacked and held for ransom by a drug cartel......... next time....... ehh not so sure.
First, Mexico has only kept numbers for 20 years. Second the numbers are FAR from accurate for a variety of reasons. Second, a lot of the problems in Mexico is that the drug cartel leadership is not established with several heads of families arrested or on the run. This will calm down once the order is established. Third, with less central leadership at the top of the drug cartels, you have more underlings moving into kidnapping, extortion and murder for hire. In the past, established drug cartels would limit these activities to put less heat on their drug trafficking. The end isn't coming for Mexico, nor is it bottoming out..... it is the same beautiful but corrupt and dangerous place it has been for a very long time.
Playa Del Carmen? Ehh Honestly I cannot say much as I have spent time in Mali and some of the bad parts in the Middle East.
Just avoid going alone into the forest around over ramps and avoid people offering to "help you". The scariest place I have ever been to was Mali......... worse than the places I went to in the Middle East and even worse than Russia (don't ever go to Russia.... just don't). In Mali it was vigilante style, we saw someone beaten to death and set on fire. Good times....... and they hate Westerners too..... so being 6'5" with blonde hair and blue eyes caused some "issues".
I'm going to Queretaro in February... flying in there directly and only going to be there like 24 hours... what are my survival odds?
Honestly, I think things are looking up for Mexico. Not that their future is so bright that they gotta wear shades, but I'm more optimistic than otherwise. They've started political reform by dropping one-party rule. They recently did a major restructuring of their energy industry and have been making themselves more structurally attractive for foreign investment. They've started taking the drug war and official corruption more seriously. Educational attainment is improving. Economic integration with the US is great for them. It's messy right now with the cartels, but I could imagine that country booming if they can clean up the cartel and corruption problems.
Mexico's one country I know my way around. And don't worry, I have negative desire to go to Russia (or Mali or the Middle East). Will you be leaving the airport?
