Part 6/10:
This new reality prompts a profound debate: should these cartels be treated strictly as criminal traffickers, or do they constitute a form of hybrid threat akin to terrorism? The answer is complex. Some argue that these groups operate with militarized control, territorial dominance, and violence that rival some state actors—blurring the lines between organized crime and terrorism.
The challenge lies in how the U.S. government responds. Many believe that establishing clear, authorized military measures targeting these foreign cartels could be necessary. Such measures would involve congressional approval, clear limits like sunset clauses (similar to those placed on drone strikes against al-Qaeda), and international cooperation.