The book has been cited in recent academic discussions about “narco‑state” theory and is often referenced in policy briefs aimed at reforming Mexico’s security strategy.
Los cárteles no existen (2018), by Oswaldo Zavala, is a provocative and meticulously researched critique of the "narco" narrative that dominates Mexican and American discourse. Zavala, an academic and former journalist from Ciudad Juárez, argues that "cartels"—as they are portrayed in popular culture and state rhetoric—do not actually exist. Instead, they are a discursive construction designed to justify state militarization and protect geopolitical and private interests.
A significant portion of the book analyzes how literature, film, and TV shows like Narcos , Sicario , and The Queen of the South reinforce these government-led myths. Zavala argues that these works: Los Carteles No Existen Oswaldo Zavala Pdf Gratis
Because Oswaldo Zavala is a respected academic, parts of the book and his supporting articles are available on open-access scientific libraries. Search for Zavala’s name on or SciELO.org . While the full book may not be there, his foundational essays that led to the book are free.
If your search for fails, consider these alternatives: The book has been cited in recent academic
[Your Name] – Research Analyst, Latin‑American Security Studies Date: 17 April 2026
News and entertainment unthinkingly adopt official state language, creating a "collective cultural imagination" of crime. Where to Find the Book Instead, they are a discursive construction designed to
By framing violence as a war between rival criminal groups, the government obscures its own role in managing the drug trade and committing acts of repression.