The myth of the Narco-state

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Abstract

Despite being used repeatedly in different contexts, the term “narco-state” has never been
satisfactorily defined or explained. In fact, the existence of the narco-state is almost always
taken for granted. This article will argue, on the basis of a review of existing definitions and
of selected case studies, that there is no such thing as a narco-state and that using the term tends to oversimplify if not mask the complex socio-political and economic realities of
drug-producing countries. The narco-state notion will be debated and opposed in terms of
politics, territory, and economics.

Keywords

narco-state; definition; rentier state; territory; politics; economics

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