Crossing Our Red Lines About Partner Engagement in Mexico.

摘要

Red lines--that level of escalation that is totally unacceptable and results in immediate action to prevent a national security threat--in the U.S. response to growing Mexican TCO influence are home game situations that require an approach most American policy makers are uncomfortable with. Instability in Mexico and TCO violence in the border region are a threat to U.S. national security interests. This paper explores: the definitions of public and private red lines; whether the U.S. should establish such red lines related to narco- trafficking violence originating in the U.S.-Mexican border region; and U.S. and Mexican collaboration in creating private or public red lines to more effectively influence TCO activities. Correctly employed, public red lines change or influence the decision making of adversaries. Private red lines can be used as planning tools to establish decision points, enhance a common operating picture, and increase interagency or international readiness among partners.