La Familia Michoacana's Discourse and Quest to Power

Abstract

This paper is about how La Familia contests the power of the state and establishes spatiality through discourse. In this analysis, I propose an experimental research to study the complex dynamics in Mexico involving the three actors through the lens of power relations, discourse theory and state spatiality. This case study will focus on the state of Michoacán and the drug cartel known as La Familia. The response by the Mexican State as well as by the society are also be examined in order to devise recommendations as to how the state should address the escalation of violence within its territory in the next years.