The Cartel PR Machine: Inside Mexico’s Narco Propaganda War

On today’s episode, Katarina examines how Mexican cartels have developed sophisticated propaganda strategies to expand their influence and control. From traditional narcocorridos to viral TikTok videos, cartels use music, social media, public banners, and graphic videos to recruit members, intimidate rivals, and shape public perception. She traces the historical roots of narco culture, explores its modern evolution through artists like Peso Pluma, and highlights how platforms like YouTube and Telegram have become tools of digital warfare. The episode also looks at physical propaganda—such as narcomantas—and the strategic release of violent videos used to send messages and shift blame. Katarina also investigates how disinformation campaigns, pseudo-philanthropy, and public messaging allow cartels to act as parallel powers in communities across Mexico. Through this lens, the episode reveals how the fight for narrative control has become central to cartel operations—on screens, in songs, and in the streets. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original