University of San Diego
Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of San Diego and director of its Justice in Mexico research initiative
PROFILE
David Shirk
Guest
FROM David Shirk
To the Point
Drugs, Bloody Violence and Entertainment After a shootout that killed five bodyguards, billionaire drug kingpin Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán is back in the same Mexican prison he tunneled out of last year. He's thought responsible for killing thousands of people, including local officials, contributing to the corruption that's made parts of Mexico almost ungovernable. The myth of his invulnerability is part of Mexico's "narco-culture"-- songs, TV series and movies that make profitable fiction out of gruesome reality. But the focus on his personal drama — including his interview with Sean Penn — is to miss the real story of what it means to be "the world's most powerful drug lord."
To the Point
The World's Most Wanted Man Is Back on the Loose This week's escape of drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has turned glittering success into abject failure for Mexico's President Enrique Peña Nieto. The sophisticated tunnel built under the noses of prison officials has made a mockery of security and raised suspicion of official complicity. Guzmán's cartel is reportedly the main supplier of cocaine and heroin to the United States, and his show of power is a blow to international cooperation. We follow the story on both sides of the border.
Which Way, L.A.?
Calderon Addresses a Joint Session of Congress Felipe Calderon got a standing ovation today from a joint session of Congress when he pledged to continue his all out war against violent drug cartels. Reaction was mixed when he attacked Arizona’s new immigration law and asked for the US ban on assault weapons to be reinstated. But despite today’s rare Capitol Hill appearance and last night’s White-House state dinner, critics say Calderon’s actions could be counterproductive. What about poverty, widespread corruption, and recent charges of favoritism for one drug cartel over others? Does his all-out war on drug cartels make for less violence—or more? What’s the impact on illegal immigration?
To the Point
Calderon Addresses a Joint Session of Congress Felipe Calderon got a standing ovation today from a joint session of Congress when he pledged to continue his all out war against violent drug cartels. Reaction was mixed when he attacked Arizona’s new immigration law and asked for the US ban on assault weapons to be reinstated. But despite today’s rare Capitol Hill appearance and last night’s White-House state dinner, critics say Calderon’s actions could be counterproductive. What about poverty, widespread corruption, and recent charges of favoritism for one drug cartel over others? Does his all-out war on drug cartels make for less violence—or more? What’s the impact on illegal immigration?
Which Way, L.A.?
Obama Fleshes Out Border Policy with Call for Cash President Obama will ask Congress tomorrow for $27 billion for security at the border, an 8% increase over the Bush Administration' s spending, but also emphasizing different priorities.
Which Way, L.A.?
Violence in Mexico May Mean Spring Break in Palm Springs Last month, the State Department renewed its warning against travel to Mexico, where it says “the greatest increase in violence has occurred near the US border.” The Los Angeles Times has reported that beheadings and bodies “ dissolved in barrels of lye ” have been found in and near Tijuana. The Orange County Register says the largest West Coast travel firm specializing in student spring breaks has transferred this year’s destination from Baja to Palm Springs .
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To the Point
Will the Senate write a healthcare bill in secret? While Democrats and Republicans argue White House relations with Russia, another question is being decided behind closed doors: who gets help buying health insurance and who doesn't? We hear how the pros and cons are being shrouded in secrecy.
To the Point
The longest US war: Will Trump send more troops to Afghanistan? The Trump White House is divided over the Pentagon's request for more troops in Afghanistan—where the US has been fighting for the past 16 years. Is there a formula -- either for "victory" or a political settlement? Is there an end in sight for America's longest war?
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.