Ideas worth spreading

The deadly genius of drug cartels

2,542,727 views | Rodrigo Canales • TEDSalon NY2013

Up to 100,000 people died in drug-related violence in Mexico in the last 6 years. We might think this has nothing to do with us, but in fact we are all complicit, says Yale professor Rodrigo Canales in this unflinching talk that turns conventional wisdom about drug cartels on its head. The carnage is not about faceless, ignorant goons mindlessly killing each other but is rather the result of some seriously sophisticated brand management.

Up to 100,000 people died in drug-related violence in Mexico in the last 6 years. We might think this has nothing to do with us, but in fact we are all complicit, says Yale professor Rodrigo Canales in this unflinching talk that turns conventional wisdom about drug cartels on its head. The carnage is not about faceless, ignorant goons mindlessly killing each other but is rather the result of some seriously sophisticated brand management.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

About the speaker

Rodrigo Canales

Rodrigo Canales

Business professor

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Rodrigo Canales wants to understand how individuals influence organizations or systems--even those as complex as the Mexican drug cartels.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.