This is a very simplistic view of the cartels, and a very US-centric view as well. This doesn&#x27;t really factor in the local &#x2F; native view of these groups, which see them much more as semi-heroic for standing up to the imperial Americans and corrupt, oppressive home governments. The cartels recruit heavily and are huge organizations - giving those poor, unemployed guys from backwood areas a mission &quot;greater than themselves&quot; really is a timeless strategy that has worked well for thousands of years, especially when that vision involves power (violence) and wealth.