Multipolarity El Dumbo, Tariff-ying, Rear Lagarde Action
Feb 26, 2026
A deep dive into Mexico’s recent strikes on cartel leadership and the violent reprisals that followed. Discussion of how rising cartel violence could destabilize the US border and strain Washington–Mexico relations. Examination of US steel tariffs, legal fallout, and their link to balance-of-payments tensions. A look at Christine Lagarde stepping down and the political maneuvers reshaping Europe’s centrist elite.
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U.S. Cartel Pressure Risks Direct U.S. Destabilization
- U.S. pressure on Mexico to tackle cartels risks regional destabilization that will directly affect the United States.
- Philip Pilkington notes Mexico is America's biggest trading partner and contagion from unrest cannot be ring-fenced across the shared border.
Cartel Retaliation After El Mencho Strike
- Mexican forces reportedly killed Jalisco New Generation cartel leader El Mencho, prompting immediate, large-scale cartel retaliation.
- Andrew Collingwood describes highway blockades, burning vehicles, airport attacks, explosions and prison unrest following the hit.
Fentanyl Trade Is Central To U.S.-Mexico Tensions
- The drug crisis and fentanyl trade are a core driver of U.S.-Mexico tensions beyond isolated law enforcement actions.
- Philip Pilkington emphasises huge human and social costs in the U.S. and sustained Republican pressure on Mexico to suppress cartels.