The Monocle Daily Violence erupts in Mexico after killing of cartel boss. Plus: is Hungary a thorn in Europe’s side?
Feb 23, 2026
James Rogers, former BBC Moscow correspondent and author, reflects on Russia’s post‑Cold War trajectory. Jacob Parakillis, Rand Europe security lead, discusses Ukraine, cartel violence and EU security friction. Terry Stiasny, political journalist and author, explores domestic politics shaping Europe’s Russia stance. They cover Mexico’s cartel retaliation, Hungary’s sanctions blockade and the strain on European unity.
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Decapitation Is Opportunistic Not Calendar Driven
- Mexico's government pursued a decapitation strategy against cartels by targeting El Mencho when the operational opportunity arose.
- Jacob Parakillis explained such strikes are intelligence-driven and timed when arrests become feasible, not for political events like the World Cup.
Cartels Now Operate Like Paramilitary Forces
- Mexican cartels have evolved into quasi-military forces with armoured vehicles, matching-calibre logistics and armed drones.
- Jacob Parakillis noted the drone use is recent and worrying given combat experience returning from conflicts like Ukraine.
Decapitation Often Sparks Internal Turf Wars
- Removing a cartel boss risks internecine turf wars and sustained violence rather than neat stabilisation.
- Terry Stiasny compared post-leadership struggles to mafia succession fights where rivals battle to replace the top figure.
