Disappearances in Mexico: From the 'Dirty War' to the 'War on Drugs'

This volume provides an interdisciplinary analysis of disappearances in Mexico,spanning from the 'dirty war' to the 'war on drugs',and examines the historical,political,legal,and social aspects of the phenomenon. It brings together contributions from scholars in Mexico,Argentina,and Europe and focuses on the struggles for memory,the political dimensions,human rights law,and the social movement of relatives of the disappeared.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into an interdisciplinary examination of the phenomenon of disappearances in Mexico,spanning from the era of the so-called 'dirty war' to the ongoing crisis associated with the country's 'war on drugs.' During this period, an alarming number of over 80,000 individuals have vanished, leaving behind families and communities in profound distress. The volume brings together esteemed scholars from Mexico, Argentina, and Europe, each contributing chapters that revolve around four central axes of inquiry.

In Part I, the chapters explore the historical and contemporary manifestations of disappearances, as well as the ongoing struggles for memory and justice surrounding the disappeared in Mexico, with a specific reference to Argentina. The authors shed light on the various forms that disappearances have taken throughout history, including state-sanctioned violence, forced disappearances, and human rights violations. They also examine the challenges faced by families and communities in their quest for truth and closure, as well as the role of institutions and legal frameworks in addressing these issues.

Part II delves into the political dimensions of disappearances, focusing on the unique aspects of this practice in the context of the counterinsurgency struggle of the 1970s and the so-called 'war on drugs.' The authors examine how these conflicts have shaped the landscape of disappearances, highlighting the role of state agencies, paramilitary groups, and drug cartels in perpetrating disappearances. They also explore the ways in which these practices violate international human rights laws and standards, and the efforts made by survivors and human rights organizations to hold those responsible accountable.

The third section of the volume situates the issue of disappearances within the framework of human rights law, examining the conceptual and legal aspects of disappearances. The authors explore the legal frameworks and mechanisms that are in place to protect the rights of the disappeared, as well as the challenges and limitations of these frameworks in practice. They also examine the role of international human rights organizations and the international legal system in addressing the crisis of disappearances in Mexico.

The final chapters of the volume focus on the social movement of the relatives of the disappeared, shedding light on the bodily and affective experiences they endure as they search for their loved ones. The authors explore the emotional toll that disappearances take on families, as well as the ways in which they mobilize and organize to seek justice and truth. They also examine the knowledge production that occurs within this movement, as relatives engage in research, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about the crisis of disappearances and advocate for change.

Through its multidisciplinary approach, this volume aims to deepen our understanding of the crisis of disappearances in Mexico without losing sight of its historical roots. It provides a valuable contribution to the field of human rights and social justice, offering insights into the complex dynamics that contribute to this phenomenon and the urgent need for solutions.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367770556