The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade Paperback – 3 Jun. 2021

Benjamin Smith is one of the foremost historians of Mexico and, therefore, his understanding of the drug trade and how it became intertwined with Mexican politics and society is second to none. Beyond the meticulous research, what sets this book apart is that it is a brilliantly written, the narrative feels reads like a thriller, but one based on tremendous knowledge and sensitivity to the history it describes - highly recommended.

An informative look at the early days of the Mexican drug business and the players that were involved. Some wild west scenes and corruption from officials and others dragging it down to a violent nightmare

Really enjoying this well written and thoroughly researched book.

The book was informative and written in a breezy style that was easy to read. It answered quite a few of the questions I had about the drug war in Mexico and weighed the evidence in what seemed to be a fair and judicious way.

Interesting read but I did feel it could have been edited down a little.

I bought this with a gift voucher - not from Amazon and learned a lot. I had read Don Winslow's trilogy but this gives a history of how it ended up as it has. Much of it is surprising. I won't spoil it for you by revealing what it is that is unexpected but it gave me a much better understanding. Of course, covering such a long period, there were parts that merited a bit more detail but it is already quite long. I would also recommend the Winslow trilogy which gives some more detail on how it affects those caught up in it.

Can only give this four stars because I can't comment on the accuracy of the material - this is my first book on the Mexican drug trade. Prose-wise though, can't fault it. Smith has a good style of writing and, like any good book, it kept me wanting to read more. Beyond the thematic point that drug prohibition has caused more harm than good, the author's even-handed approach comes across well, though the chapter on Kiki Camarena's murder is sure to provoke a few debates. Where perhaps the book falls down is it gives appropriate detail on the trade from its start right up to the 1990s, but then rushes through to the present day. This is a history of the drug trade, rather than a contemporary exploration, so I forgive its relatively sparse detail on the Mexican Drug War, though it perhaps would have been appropriate for a little more on the collapse of state institutions in the 1990s. Irregardless, this is still a thoroughly engaging and worthwhile introduction to the subject. Would definitely recommend.

Relato interesante sobre el origen del tráfico ilícito de drogas en México. LLegó antes de lo esperado y con un muy buen descuento. La edición fue pasta dura y está muy bien editado letras grandes. Un ensayo de divulgación e información de archivo y fuentes de primera mano.

Historian Ben Smith tells a fascinating and important story about the growth and development of the illegal drug trade between the USA and Mexico. Smith's in depth research reveals that there is much more complexity to this topic than most Americans probably realize. Although Mexico is often demonized as the "villain", the economic and political forces driving the enormous drug business are just as significant in the US as in Mexico. Smith shows how protection rackets on both sides of the border have allowed the drug trade to flourish, fueled by the insatiable US demand. More importantly, this history demonstrated how the costly "War on Drugs" often was counterproductive, and actually contributed to increased violence in both countries. I found this book to very written, extremely detailed, eye opening, and overall worth reading for anyone interested in this subject.

Me resulto super interesante el libro da mucha información lo recomiendo.

Eines der wenigen Bücher welche die Realität im Drogenhandel wieder gibt.

This is a well thought out telling of the development of the trafficking culture within and beyond Mexico and the insatiable demand it feeds in the United States. While elements are undoubtedly repeated the world over, Smith's narration is clear, structured and maintains interest throughout.