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Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School

Exploiting weaknesses: an approach to counter cartel strategy

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The thesis, "Exploiting Weaknesses: An Approach to Counter Cartel Strategy," provided an in-depth case study analysis of Los Zetas transnational criminal network to gain an understanding on its weaknesses and vulnerabilities. The thesis utilized social movement theory to illuminate its mobilizing structure and key essential factors that make Los Zetas vulnerable to disruption. In addition, the study identified Los Zetas' financial support structure to expose its insidious methods. Finally, the thesis utilized social network analysis and geographical information systems to gain an understanding of its organizational networks, deduce possible safe havens, and key terrain of Los Zetas. Ultimately, the employment of the aforementioned theories revealed essential vulnerabilities, which form the essence of a practical disruption policy recommendation against Los Zetas.

Degree

thesis:*
Department dc:contributor.department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Grantor dc:publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Year dc:date.issued
2011

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Authors dc:creator
  • Reyna, Enrique J.
  • Castellanos, Dennis J.
Advisor dc:contributor.advisor
  • Everton, Sean F.

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Handle dc:identifier.uri
https://hdl.handle.net/10945/10682
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/10682

Chain of custody

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Naval Postgraduate School
Base URL
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Last updated
2026-07-27
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citation

Reyna, Enrique J.; Castellanos, Dennis J.. Exploiting weaknesses: an approach to counter cartel strategy. Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 2011. https://hdl.handle.net/10945/10682