Across Mexico, the lawlessness and carnage of the drug wars have given rise to scores of local self-defense forces aiming to defend their communities. The federal government may be tempted to disband and disarm these armed vigilantes, but until it can shape up its security sector, the local groups offer an imperfect but acceptable alternative.

Under the security cooperation agreement called the Merida Initiative, the United States provides military and law enforcement assistance to the Mexican government in support of efforts to combat drug cartels and organized crime. The United States and Mexico jointly developed this agreement in response to a substantial increase in drug-related criminal activity and violence on both sides of the border.

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By refocusing from more militarized bilateral security assistance to institution building, Mexico and the United States can work together to strengthen the rule of law, to the benefit of both countries.

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Since 2006, the Mexican government has been in embroiled in a bloody drug war, which has failed to significantly curb trafficking. This Backgrounder looks at Mexico's eradication efforts, along with U.S. policy options for one of its most important regional allies.

Gil Kerlikowske, director of the National Drug Control Policy, discusses global drug policy, including a new emphasis on programs that recognize drug addiction as a disease of the brain instead of a moral failure, domestic and international trends in drug consumption, and the diversification of transnational criminal organizations.

Gil Kerlikowske, director of the National Drug Control Policy, discusses global drug policy, including a new emphasis on programs that recognize drug addiction as a disease of the brain instead of a moral failure, domestic and international trends in drug consumption, and the diversification of transnational criminal organizations.

Gil Kerlikowske, director of the National Drug Control Policy, discusses global drug policy, including a new emphasis on programs that recognize drug addiction as a disease of the brain instead of a moral failure, domestic and international trends in drug consumption, and the diversification of transnational criminal organizations.

Eric Schmidt and Jared Cohen argue that technology can play a big role in the fight against drug cartels.

A new multimedia resource from CFR's International Institutions and Global Governance program reveals gaps in multilateral efforts to combat transnational organized crime.

The New Yorker details the fight for Guadalajara, Mexico.

A Fortune investigation finds that the ATF never intentionally allowed guns to fall into the hands of Mexican drug cartels.

Shannon K. O'Neil examines pledges by Mexico's presidential candidates to shift drug war priorities from arresting traffickers to reducing horrific violence.

This New York Times Magazine piece investigates how the world's most powerful drug traffickers run their billion-dollar business.

Mexico is winning its death match against the drug cartels and rebuilding once-corrupt institutions in the process. But an election is approaching, and the candidates are calling for a truce. Mexico can take its place in the sun, but only if it wipes out the cartels for good.

The U.S. Psychotropic Substances Act of 1978 was signed into law on November 10, 1978 as Public Law 95-633.

December 2008 ECOWAS Abuja Declaration ("Political Declaration on the Prevention Of Drug Abuse, Illicit Drug Trafficking and Organized Crimes in West Africa") was adopted in December 2008.

The African Union Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention Enforcement Mechanism was adopted on December 7, 2007 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The African Union Revised Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention was adopted on December 7, 2007 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Transforming Afghanistan's opium farming from heroin to morphine production would thwart the Taliban and stabilize the economy, writes Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York.

The Agreement Concerning the Suppression of the Manufacture of, Internal Trade in, and Use of, Prepared Opium was adopted on February 11, 1925 in Geneva, and entered into force on July 28, 1926.