Threat Posed by Mounting Vigilantism in Mexico

摘要

In this monograph, George W. Grayson, an authority on Mexican affairs, examines the roots of vigilantism, the circumstances in which it occurs, its perpetrators and targets, and its linkages, if any, with President Felipe Calderon's version of the war against drugs. His conclusions raise questions about whether there is a major upswing in so-called 'community justice.' The monograph contains the author's preliminary findings, some of the most important of which are as follows: (1) evidence fails to support the tsunami theory of 'linchamientos' (lynchings); (2) these actions more often take place in or near urban settings than in the countryside; (3) uses and customs seldom, if ever, account for attacks on perceived miscreants; (4) the conflict between the government and drug lords has not increased the number of lynchings; (5) in addition to revenge, 'community justice' has a cathartic effect on mob members who may suffer poverty, joblessness, alcoholism, drug addiction, and broken homes; and (6) the anonymity of the attackers enables most to act with impunity against wrongdoers; the police and authorities may turn a blind eye to the attackers or even cooperate with them. By adding to the number of cases identified, it is the author's hope that this monograph will assist others who embark on research on one of the most fascinating subjects, both in Mexico and in scores of other countries.