Multidisciplinary Latin America Panel: Beyond Narcos
On April 25th, International Studies's Latin America department hosted a multidisciplinary panel titled 'Beyond Narcos: Four Critical Perspectives'. Four lecturers who provide the Latin America courses within BAIS, joined forces to discuss the Narco phenomenon from the Historical, Cultural, Political and Economic perspective. This multidisciplinary allows for a deeper understanding of a complex phenomenon that expands the day-to-day studies of students in the area specialization.
The Narco phenomenon in Latin America, or the illegal drug trafficking and the accompanying culture in the region, is often romanticized in popular culture. This event aimed at providing critical perspectives to the causes, dynamics, and consequences of the Narco presence in Latin American societies. With four experts shedding light on the topic from their respective expertise, and an engaged audience of Leiden University’s students and staff, the panel has exceeded those expectations!
After a brief opening, the afternoon started with a historical mapping of the phenomenon by Prof. Patricio Silva. Second, dr Randal Sheppard presented the political context of the Narcos, focusing on the upcoming Mexican elections in June. Then, dr María Gabriela Palacio Ludeña delved into the economic context of the extreme violence and insecurity that accompanies Narco violence. The panel member presentations were concluded by Paulina Rabah Ramírez expanding on the cultural dimension, the different types of narcoculture and its consumers. After the speaker’s contributions, moderator Juliët Tinebra posed questions from the audience to the panel members, ranging from the presence of vigilantism to the role of women in Narco culture. Discussions among staff and students continued with a drink in the cafeteria.
A big thank you to the panel members for their contributions and the audience for their insightful questions. The Latin America department looks forward to organizing more multidisciplinary events in the future!