> legitimizing the power of violent thugs and drug dealers over the populace they have terrorized for decades This is essentially the history of statebuilding,

> legitimizing the power of violent thugs and drug dealers over the populace they have terrorized for decades This is essentially the history of statebuilding, from Sargon of Akkad to today. There is not a great deal of distinction to be made between a Gothic warchief, a Norman knight, a Spanish conquistador, or a Mexican cartel head.