The author of the piece appears to believe in “all or none” thinking, or the false dichotomy. No one thinks that cartel violence will “instantly disappear” once drug profits collapse. But the dynamic of the criminal to civil codependency changes almost immediately.

The types of activities cited as alternatives to drug trafficking are precisely the things that evoke strong and violent opposition. The violent groups multiply, bifurcate, and spin off into general chaos. How long will it last before it burns itself out? Years, but not decades. What will be left at the end?

Mexico in many pieces.

Which is worse? The status quo, or a fragmented Mexico? Who says Mexico has to be under one government? Who said that about Yugoslavia? Or Czechoslovakia? Or the Austro-Hungarian Empire? Or the Ottoman Empire? You get the point.