On this episode host Nathaniel Parish Flannery talks to Mexico historian Benjamin T. Smith about his new book, THE DOPE: THE REAL HISTORY OF THE MEXICAN DRUG TRADE. During the discussion we talk about Mexico's narco history, the patterns that have emerged over decades, and the political power structures in Mexico that allow organized crime groups to operate. We also discuss President Andres Manuel Lopez Obador's security strategy and why he is struggling to reduce violence and crime in Mexico. Smith thinks that Lopez Obrador is trying to re-establish the same mutually beneficial relationships that Mexico's federal government maintained with drug trafficking groups during much of the 20th century. So far, however, he has failed to reduce violent crime. "It’s possible his solutions are 15 years too late. Mexico has changed. I’m not sure you can just do deals with big capos, major leaders of the so-called cartels and bring peace to Mexico. I don’t think that’s going to work," Smith explains. Note: on March 25, 2025 a remastered audio file was uploaded which removes background music from the conversational portion of the podcast.

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