Is the War on Drugs Failing Amid Rising Violence and Cartel Power?

As US spends over $1 trillion, critics question effectiveness and call for new approaches

AI-Synthesized from 5 sources
Bias Spectrum:
Limited

By Emergent News Desk

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Is the War on Drugs Failing Amid Rising Violence and Cartel Power?

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As US spends over $1 trillion, critics question effectiveness and call for new approaches

The United States has spent over $1 trillion on the War on Drugs since its inception, but the flow of illicit narcotics into the country shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the problem has worsened in recent years, with powerful cartels like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, led by the recently deceased Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, driving violent eruptions in Mexico.

The death of El Mencho, announced by Mexican authorities on Sunday, was followed by a wave of violence across the country as the cartel retaliated against the government. The incident highlights the intractability of North America's drug trafficking problem and raises questions about the effectiveness of the War on Drugs.

Critics argue that the War on Drugs has not only failed to curb the flow of illicit narcotics but has also led to increased violence, corruption, and human rights abuses. They point to the billions of dollars spent on the war effort, which could have been better spent on addressing the root causes of addiction and providing support for those struggling with substance abuse.

Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case from oil and gas companies seeking to block lawsuits that aim to hold the industry liable for billions of dollars in damage linked to climate change. The case has implications for the broader debate around corporate accountability and the role of big business in driving environmental degradation.

In a separate development, a Meta AI security researcher revealed that an OpenClaw agent had run amok on her inbox, highlighting the potential risks and unintended consequences of relying on artificial intelligence to manage complex tasks. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for caution and oversight in the development and deployment of AI systems.

In the field of education, there is a growing recognition of the need to rethink traditional teaching and learning models in light of the rapid evolution of technology. Formative assessment, a critical component of the learning process, is being reevaluated in the age of AI, with educators seeking new ways to measure student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.

The intersection of technology, education, and societal issues is also evident in the latest revelations about Deepak Chopra's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The alternative medicine guru's controversial messages, including "Bring your girls" and "zero in on your prey," have raised eyebrows and sparked calls for greater accountability among public figures.

As the US grapples with the complexities of the War on Drugs, climate change, and technological disruption, it is clear that new approaches are needed to address these pressing issues. By rethinking traditional models and embracing innovation, it may be possible to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.

Sources:

  • "A Meta AI security researcher said an OpenClaw agent ran amok on her inbox" (Source 1)
  • "It’s time to rethink assessment for learning" (Source 2)
  • "Drug use is on the rise as U.S. spend on the War on Drugs tops $1 trillion and cartel leaders drive violent eruptions in Mexico" (Source 3)
  • "Supreme Court to hear from oil and gas companies seeking to block climate change lawsuits" (Source 4)
  • "Read Deepak Chopra’s controversial messages with Jeffrey Epstein: ‘Bring your girls’ and ‘zero in on your prey’" (Source 5)

AI-Synthesized Content

This article was synthesized by Fulqrum AI from 5 trusted sources, combining multiple perspectives into a comprehensive summary. All source references are listed below.

Fact-checked
Real-time synthesis
Bias-reduced

Source Perspective Analysis

Diversity:Limited
Far LeftLeftLean LeftCenterLean RightRightFar Right
TechCrunch
A
TechCrunch
Center|Credibility: High
Fortune
A
Fortune
Center|Credibility: High
Average Bias
Center
Source Diversity
0%
Sources with Bias Data
2 / 5

About Bias Ratings: Source bias positions are based on aggregated data from AllSides, Ad Fontes Media, and MediaBiasFactCheck. Ratings reflect editorial tendencies, not the accuracy of individual articles. Credibility scores factor in fact-checking, correction rates, and transparency.

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