NCJ Number
190066
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 213-231
Date Published
August 2001
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article identifies the problems of crime and corruption facing Mexico's President Fox and provides an overview of the resources upon which Mexico can draw to address these problems.
Abstract
Mexico is at a crossroads. After 70 years under one-party rule, the citizenry voted out the ruling political party and elected President Fox, who has vowed to counter crime and corruption. The primacy of this issue is an indication of the severity of the problem and the public recognition that Mexico's democracy and economy cannot progress unless the society tackles these problems. Addressing the dual problems of crime and corruption poses a formidable challenge because these problems are deeply ingrained in Mexico. The consequences of one-party rule, the failure to accord the rule of law primacy in society, and the institutionalized corruption of the police and other parts of the justice system limit the country's capacity to act against crime and corruption. The press's role has been circumscribed through intimidation, and a strong civil society has not developed to counteract these forces. Still, Mexico has important strengths. Its investment in education since the change in leadership has resulted in an urban population committed to solving the problems the country faces. Many of those who worked for Fox's election were young Mexicans, often educated abroad, who returned to their country to make a difference. Fox's party includes many members of the business community, who want an alternative future for Mexico and a more open, competitive economy to foster growth. The United States provides a large and persistent market for illicit goods from Mexico; therefore, new means of engagement of the two countries and new bilateral strategies must be developed if these dual problems are to be addressed. President Fox has focused on a development perspective, suggesting that crime and corruption can only be significantly reduced if the economic disparities between the United States and Mexico are reduced. This approach contrasts sharply with the law enforcement and control strategies that were emphasized in the past. Although this new strategy cannot be expected to yield immediate results, it is an important step in addressing the conditions that give rise to organized crime. Fox's emphasis on greater transparency and better governmental administration is aimed at addressing the deep-seated corruption. 8 notes and 42 references