2011-08-30-皮尤-Crime_and_Drug_Cartels_Top_Concerns_in_Mexico_18页_408kb

Mexican Drug War and Public Opinion: 2011 Findings

• Drug War Progress: Fewer than half (45%) of Mexicans believe their government is making progress against drug cartels; 29% think the government is "losing ground."

• Public Concerns: Crime (80%) and drug cartel violence (77%) are the top concerns, followed by economic problems (69%).

• Use of Armed Forces: Overwhelming majority (83%) support using the Mexican army against drug traffickers, and a majority (74-78%) back U.S. aid in training military/police.

• U.S. Military Deployment: Support for U.S. troops in Mexico increased by 12 percentage points to 38% in 2011, though opposition (57%) remains.

• Cross-Border Blame: Six-in-10 (61%) view both the U.S. and Mexico as equally responsible for drug violence; fewer (18-27%) point blame solely to one country.

• U.S. Perception:

  • Favorable views of the U.S. stood at 52% in 2011, rebounding slightly after Arizona's immigration law in 2010.
  • Support for U.S. military aid and other cooperative measures against cartels increased in 2011 compared to 2010.

• Economic Mood: Despite economic growth in 2010, seven-in-ten (68%) still rated Mexico's economic situation poorly; optimism declined slightly following 2009's recession fears.

• Shift in Government Priorities: A majority (58%) now prioritize law and order over personal freedoms, an increase from 36% in 2009.

• Institutional Trust:

  • The military (62%) and media (60%) saw declines in support compared to 2009, while institutions like the courts (32%) and police (30%) face low trust.

• Political Perceptions: President Calderón's favorable ratings fell to 55%, while the PRI's gubernatorial candidate, Enrique Peña Nieto, had 61% support. Critics like López Obrador face high unfavorability (62%).

Overall, public concerns focus on security and economic stability amid ongoing violence, while trust in institutions and government influence decreases.