I don't have a ton to say about it because it was a first read, but essentially the arguments are, as I understand them:
- The Mexican state has "organized crime" w/r/t drug production/distribution on a leash.
- State communiques, news sources, and works of fiction (generally but not always) all use a narrative framing, terminology, and iconography to constrain the discussion of drug trafficking within Mexico to certain bounds.
- This fiction of cartels/narcos is used to manufacture consent for the buildup of police and military forces.
- These state-backed forces are used to constrain (but not eliminate) drug trafficking via excessive use of violence, and more importantly avail territory to international/national fossil fuel and mineral extraction.
If you've read this, please notify me if I've misunderstood anything. Thanks.