Disposing of Rhino Horns Recovered from Smugglers, Kruger National Park, South Africa
CONFLICT
AWARENESS
PROJECT
Holding accountable those who fuel war, conflict, and harm to vulnerable communities and the natural world.
THE U.S. - MEXICO DOUBLE FIX
The Conflict Awareness Project (CAP) has teamed up with The Pacific Council to research the trafficking of U.S. guns to Mexico, part of a broader initiative to promote better collaboration between the two neighboring countries.
As part of the U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation Project, CAP and the Pacific Council is producing data and analyses on gun trafficking and its relationship to transnational criminal organizations, corruption, armed violence, and migration. The research team is building a case for greater cooperation on anti-gun trafficking efforts and make recommendations to the U.S. and Mexican governments as well as civil society actors. Ultimately, the project is aimed at fostering public awareness, facilitating expert dialogue, and educating policymakers in hopes of improving the lives of people living in both countries. Learn More
INTRODUCING THE U.S.-MEXICO DOUBLE FIX
The Pacific Council has teamed up with the Conflict Awareness Project (CAP) to research the trafficking of U.S. guns to Mexico, part of a broader initiative to promote better collaboration between the two neighboring countries.
U.S. GUNS TRAFFICKED TO MEXICO: HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING
Hundreds of thousands of guns are estimated to be trafficked from the U.S. to Mexico every year. One of the largest cross-border movements of illegal firearms in the world, this surge is so great that it has generated its own nickname: the River of Iron.
THE FAVORITE U.S. WEAPONS OF MEXICO’S DRUG CARTELS
Mexico law enforcement recovers thousands of rifles from violent crime scenes every year. A staggering number of these rifles are high-powered .50-caliber firearms and assault weapons trafficked from the United States. Preferred by Mexico’s drug cartels, these weapons continue to threaten national security and public safety on both sides of the border.
SUBNATIONAL COOPERATION IS A ‘MUST-HAVE’ IN THE U.S.-MEXICO RELATIONSHIP
Mexico City and Washington set the diplomatic terms of engagement at the national level, while state, local, and non-governmental organizations undertake day-to-day cross-border cooperation. These activities, frequently referred to as subnational diplomacy or cooperation, advance key binational priorities, build core competencies for mutually beneficial collaboration, and can keep activities in motion when relations stall at the national level.
Mexico vs Gun Manufacturers Webinar
An insightful conversation examining the stakes of Mexico’s lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers for aiding and abetting illegal arms sales. In January 2024, a federal appeals panel in Massachusetts ruled that Mexico’s civil lawsuit can move forward, reversing a lower court dismal. A February 2024 hearing was also held in Arizona on a separate case filed by Mexico against gun retailers.