Could the "no bullets, show affection" tactic be reintroduced?
Swapping Embraces for Tactics: The Changing Face of Mexican Security under President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo
In the ever-evolving landscape of Mexican politics, the reins of power have passed to President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, who's shaking up the nation's security strategy. Her approach, a departure from the previous soft-touch tactics, marries social prevention and military intervention in a blend of technocratic and populist ideals.
President Sheinbaum's Millennial-Minded Strategy
Sheinbaum's security strategy relies on four key pillars: combating root causes, deploying the National Guard, augmenting intelligence, and maximizing coordination. This strategy is turning heads due to its tough stance on organized crime. Delving into the shadows of the cartels, her administration has taken major steps to extradite cartel leaders, significantly reducing the bloodshed on Mexican streets[1].
Moreover, Sheinbaum's technocratic approach involves the implementation of data analytics and modern tools, such as virtual reality training for law enforcement personnel. Underpinning this, she seeks to tackle poverty and youth unemployment by streamlining youth training programs[1].
From Embraces to Bullets: A Soft to Hard Switch
Previously, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador championed the "Abrazos, not balazos" (Hugs, not bullets) strategy, which fostered a focus on community engagement and social programs as alternatives to military force. The aim? To tackle crime by addressing its root causes via economic support and social inclusion[1].
Yet, under Sheinbaum's leadership, another tune is played. The strategy's focus has shifted, integrating a more aggressive law enforcement presence, especially visible through the National Guard, and embracing technological advancements missing under the previous strategy. Moreover, Sheinbaum's administration has exhibited a more proactive stance in extraditing cartel leaders, a departure from the social-focused objectives embraced by the previous strategy[1].
In Brief:
Overall, Sheinbaum's approach is a refreshing take on security, blending social prevention with robust enforcement. By addressing poverty, youth unemployment, and organized crime, her administration hopes to usher in a safer and brighter future for Mexico. And while she's quick to emphasize the rule of law and zero impunity, extrajudicial executions are off the table[2]. Amid change and controversy, Sheinbaum's strategy is taking Mexico to newer, uncharted territories.
- In contrast to the previous 'hugs, not bullets' approach, President Sheinbaum's strategy in policy-and-legislation emphasizes combating root causes, deploying the National Guard, augmenting intelligence, and maximizing coordination, indicating a shift towards a harder stance on organized crime.
- As part of her technocratic approach, President Sheinbaum is implementing data analytics, virtual reality training for law enforcement, and youth training programs to address poverty and youth unemployment, demonstrating her desire to integrate culture, technology, and social policies in her treatment of general-news issues such as security concerns.
