They are not states, but a tool of regional political groups. They do the illegal things politicians in power avoid if they want to maintain the facade. They do

They are not states, but a tool of regional political groups. They do the illegal things politicians in power avoid if they want to maintain the facade. They don't have the monopoly of violence, they're intentionally allowed to act without serious retaliation. Very relevant book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_Cartels_Do_Not_Exist https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_Cartels_Do_Not_Exist