Democracies at War Against Drugs

This insightful book explores military operations against drug gangs in Brazil and Mexico, highlighting the role of military and civilian negotiations in shaping security policies.

This book offers a comprehensive examination of military operations targeting drug gangs and organizations in two major Latin American countries: Brazil and Mexico. It is a pioneering work that delves into the high-level negotiations between military and civilian elites, which shape the conditions for the deployment of force during these military operations. By focusing on these critical discussions, the book highlights the complexities of governance and security in contemporary democracies.

Democracies at War Against Drugs also addresses a significant gap in existing literature. While many studies have explored the drug wars through case studies, they often overlook the military's role in these policies. Most publications that consider the military's involvement are from human rights organizations or the media, lacking the academic rigor needed for a thorough understanding. This book seeks to fill that void, providing both empirical data and theoretical insights into the military's function within national borders, contrasting with its traditional focus on international interventions.

Furthermore, the book provides a theoretically informed perspective on the evolving landscape of security politics in Brazil and Mexico. It emphasizes the need to understand the military's role not just as a force for law enforcement but as a key player in the broader context of national security and democratic governance. Through its detailed analysis, Democracies at War Against Drugs contributes to the ongoing discourse on the intersection of military power and drug policy in Latin America.