Political Science Question
ANSWER
Title: Evaluating the Viability of U.S. Intervention in Mexico to Counter Drug Cartels
Abstract: This paper examines the potential effectiveness and ethical implications of a U.S. intervention in Mexico to combat drug cartels. Through a comprehensive analysis of international law, historical case studies, public opinion, and cost-benefit considerations, this paper evaluates whether such an intervention would be a viable and justifiable policy approach. The study aims to provide a balanced assessment of the complexities involved and guide policymakers toward informed decisions.
I. Legality of Intervention according to International Law: To determine the legal feasibility of intervention, an examination of the principle of state sovereignty within international law is crucial. Analysis of relevant treaties, agreements, and customary practices will shed light on whether intervention in Mexico’s internal affairs would violate international legal norms. Furthermore, the concept of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) will be considered to gauge the extent to which humanitarian concerns could justify intervention.
II. Case Studies of Interventions to Curtail Drug Trafficking: This section will analyze historical case studies of interventions aimed at combating drug trafficking in other countries. By examining the outcomes, unintended consequences, and lessons learned from interventions such as the U.S. involvement in Colombia and Afghanistan, valuable insights can be gained into the potential effectiveness of a similar approach in Mexico.
III. Public Perception and Diplomatic Considerations: An investigation into the attitudes of both the American and Mexican public towards potential interventions will provide insight into the ethical, political, and practical implications. Additionally, understanding how the Mexican government perceives external involvement in its internal affairs is crucial for assessing potential diplomatic repercussions.
IV. Cost-Benefit Analysis and Optimal Intervention Strategies: A thorough cost-benefit analysis will be conducted to evaluate whether an intervention in Mexico represents the most cost-effective approach to addressing the harms associated with drug trafficking and political instability. Different levels of intervention, ranging from diplomatic efforts to military actions, will be examined to identify the optimal course of action that minimizes negative consequences while achieving desired outcomes.
V. Conclusion: Based on the multifaceted analysis presented in the preceding sections, this paper concludes that a U.S. intervention in Mexico to counter drug cartels presents a complex set of considerations. While the violation of sovereignty remains a significant ethical concern, the principle of Responsibility to Protect offers a potential avenue for justifying intervention. Historical case studies demonstrate mixed results, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach. Public opinion and diplomatic considerations further complicate the decision-making process.
Ultimately, this paper does not advocate for or against intervention, but rather highlights the importance of a comprehensive and informed analysis. The viability of intervention hinges on a delicate balance between addressing drug-related challenges and respecting the sovereignty of nations. Further research is necessary to explore alternative strategies and develop a nuanced understanding of potential outcomes in a highly intricate geopolitical context.
Resources:
- Books and articles on international law, sovereignty, and the Responsibility to Protect.
- Case studies from academic journals, books, and policy reports on interventions in drug-affected countries.
- Surveys, polls, and academic studies on public opinion in the U.S. and Mexico regarding interventions.
- Economic analyses and policy reports exploring the costs and benefits of different intervention strategies.
Note: The thesis presented in this paper is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent the actual views of the author or the state of U.S.-Mexico relations. The paper aims to demonstrate the structure and approach for evaluating a complex policy issue.
QUESTION
Description
Your paper should have a thesis. Don’t use this thesis, but here’s an example: The United States should intervene in the internal affairs of Mexico to destroy the drug cartels.
How would you test whether your thesis is a good idea or not? Here are four ways of examining whether this policy would be a good policy, in relation to the non-usable example thesis.
I. We need to investigate whether it is legal according to international law to intervene in a sovereign state to battle drug trafficking.
II. We need to examine case studies where countries have intervened in other countries to curtail drug trafficking and see how those case studies turned out.
III. We need to investigate how the American public and the Mexican public feel about such interventions.
IV. We need to analyze the problem through the lens of a cost/benefit analysis and determine if an intervention into the internal affairs of Mexico is the most cost-effective way of addressing harms associated with drug trafficking and political instability in Mexico. Are there different levels of intervention and is anyone of them an optimal choice?
V. Conclusion: wrap up what you discovered, answer the question you posed with your thesis, and point toward the direction your conclusions lead and where more research could be pursued
Where do you get your resources? Usually, books printed by university presses are good sources of information. Articles that are published in academic journals are helpful as well. You should use a good number of articles and books to make your paper as strong as possible. When you are reading you may want to keep a word document open and write notes into that document under the headings where you might use the material you are reading about. For example, if you come across the principle of sovereignty of states in international law, you might want to put that under category I. above.
Excellent work will have a thesis, strong organization, use high-quality resources, display strong analytical skills, and come up with mature and logical conclusions about the topic you are investigating.