Publication

This note looks at the security situation in Mexico’s Michoacán state in light of the 2014 North American Summit held in nearby Toluca. After depicting the mode of operation of the state’s most notorious criminal organization – the Knight Templars – and the consequences for the local population, the author discusses the emergence of self-defense groups as well as the federal government’s response to restore security in Michoacán. He concludes that the new Mexican leader, Peña Nieto, has yet to demonstrate that he pursues not only a change-oriented political agenda, but also a viable security strategy.