Reinforcing the Rule of Law and Human Rights in Mexico through U.S. Special Operations Forces Missions

Abstract

This article will assess the roles and responsibilities of Special Operations Forces (SOF) within Mexico, as an active proponent of a so-called "smart power" national security strategy. In particular, it will outline the economic, political, and military challenges faced in Mexico, and specifically how and why SOF, under the new Special Operations Command Northern Command (SOCNORTH), should become the U.S. force of choice for promoting the rule of law and human rights in Mexico. With the goals of the U.S. military in mind, questions will necessarily arise as to "what success looks like" for both the United States and Mexico and the roles of each in joint and combined civil-military initiatives. Concluding comments reflect on how these forces must model "what right looks like," and the imperative that SOF operations in Mexico meet legal and doctrinal criteria for successful mission accomplishment.

Keywords: Rule of Law, Human Rights, Mexico, Smart Power, Soft Power, Hard Power, Special Operations Forces, SOF, Civil-Military, Northern Command, NORTHCOM, Special Operations Command Northern Command, SOCNORTH

JEL Classification: H56, K33, O54, N16, N26, N46