Controversy over military roles will endure in Mexico

Significance

The moves broadly coincide with the publication in August of a report alleging military failings in the handling of the 2014 Ayotzinapa student disappearances, and the October theft of substantial amounts of information from Sedena by hackers.

Impacts

• The armed forces will struggle to reconcile their traditional responsibilities and their new administrative and security roles.
• The Guacamaya papers will reignite debates about militarisation trends and the politicisation of the armed forces.
• AMLO’s decisions have empowered the armed forces and undermined the prospects of military accountability.