Peacebuilding in Mexico after the drug war: Toward a comprehensive paradigm of a sustainable culture of peace

Mexico's contemporary history has been indelibly marked by the 'war on drugs,' a security strategy that has drastically reshaped the country's social, political, and economic landscape. This essay argues that building a lasting peace in post-drug war Mexico requires a paradigm shift from security-based strategies to a comprehensive model based on three interconnected pillars: the reconstruction of the social fabric through social justice and economic equity; the strengthening of a robust, transparent, and legitimate rule of law; and the promotion of a cultural transformation that fosters active citizenship and peaceful conflict resolution. The essay analyzes the consequences of the drug war, critiques the securitization paradigm, and presents concrete policy proposals for action and reform.