Episode 63 -- An Academic Analysis of the Long-Term Survival of the Sinaloa Cartel

The longevity of the Sinaloa Cartel, when other cartels have come and gone or splintered, is the subject of a recent academic article that we discuss in this Episode. Specifically, we look at the factors that make the CDS an excellent case study. Next, we consider the article's conclusion that four types of governance practices by the CDS contribute to its resilience: judicial, financial, political, and regulatory. Finally, we ask some questions about the article's conclusions and consider their application to the current CDS, including the divisions between Los Chapitos and the El Mayo faction of the CDS.