Posted on 07/16/2025 6:42:20 PM PDT by CharlesOConnell
The comparison between the Azerbaijani regime under Ilham Aliyev and the Mexican state nominally led by Claudia Sheinbaum, yet heavily penetrated by the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, is not a contrast between a corrupt and a clean government—but rather a study in parallel forms of deep state criminal governance, each tailored to its geopolitical position and media environment. Both systems are textbook examples of state-criminal fusion, yet they differ in visibility, structure, and Western complicity.
Ilham Aliyev pictured, upper left
Ilham Aliyev inherited the presidency from his father, Heydar Aliyev, a former KGB general who converted his Soviet connections into a post-Soviet criminal fiefdom. What distinguishes Azerbaijan is the centralization of criminality. There is no competing mafia: there is only one, and it sits at the top of the state apparatus. The ruling family controls oil wealth, oversees heroin trafficking from Afghanistan through the Caucasus, and launders billions via Western institutions, particularly in London and Dubai, all under the protection of Western intelligence and diplomatic silence.
This tight structure allows for remarkable control. There are no major rival cartels operating in Azerbaijan. There are only vassals. The state is the cartel. Western complicity is essential: the Aliyev regime has bought off Western politicians, media figures, and think tanks through the so-called “Caviar Diplomacy,” securing immunity from criticism while maintaining a façade of strategic partnership—primarily to counterbalance Iran and Russia.
In contrast, Mexico’s narco-state is less centralized but no less criminal. The illusion of democratic governance remains more intact, at least for Western consumption. Claudia Sheinbaum, successor to López Obrador, serves not as a commander-in-chief, but as a figurehead presiding over a fractured sovereignty. Real power lies with the cartels, especially the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which control large swaths of territory, law enforcement agencies, and military units.
Unlike Azerbaijan, where the state is the mafia, Mexico suffers from competing cartels that function as alternative governments in their respective regions. The level of violence, endemic corruption, and political assassinations are symptoms of this divided criminal order. Government agencies operate more like subcontractors for various cartels than independent institutions.
| Category | Azerbaijan (Aliyev) | Mexico (Sheinbaum) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure of Criminality | Centralized under the ruling family | Fragmented across multiple powerful cartels |
| Control of Territory | Total state control | De facto cartel rule in many regions |
| Relationship with the West | Protected asset for Western intelligence (esp. U.S. and Israel) | Occasionally scapegoated, selectively exposed |
| Media Image | “Authoritarian ally” | “Struggling democracy” |
| Corruption Visibility | Hidden behind oil wealth and diplomacy | Open warfare, killings, mass graves |
| Foreign Intelligence Links | Ties to Mossad, MI6, CIA | Cartels with historic CIA connections (e.g., Iran-Contra legacy) |
Despite these differences, both regimes are upheld by the same global system: a transnational elite that tolerates, enables, and profits from state criminality so long as it aligns with Western strategic or economic interests. Azerbaijan launders its heroin and oil money through London banks; Mexican cartels move product through routes under the surveillance—but not interruption—of American intelligence.
What we see is not governance versus anarchy, but two distinct models of integrated criminal rule—one sleek and diplomatically protected, the other chaotic and visibly violent—each molded to its geopolitical niche. Neither serves its people. Both serve the machinery of covert empire.
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Cue the music for “It’s a small world after all...”
I think we forget as Americans that even having the government we do ON PAPER (not necessarily in practice) remains so massively revolutionary and unique...And what little bit of integrity is in it must be protected and prayed for at all times.
So, as soon as Azerbaijan starts pushing back against Russian influence, cancelling Russian cultural events, and shifting diplomatic ties toward the west, Russia’s paid mouthpiece, Douglas Macgregor, comes out with a hit piece on them. What a shock!
What is his deal? It's one thing to have a bunch of "shills" for Soros and Ukraine...but he's no different, just for Russia.
I thought Azerbaijan was allied with Turkey and here’s what Grok says:
Yes, Azerbaijan is closely allied with Turkey. The two countries share deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, often described as “one nation, two states.” Their alliance is formalized through various agreements, including military and economic cooperation.
Basically Turks being Turks.
Ask Grok about Turkey and Azerbaijan and that’s what Grok will tell you about. Now ask Grok: Explain the recent decline in the Azerbaijan Russia relationship. That will give you much better context of my comment.
Organized crime is analogous to warfarin. Poisonous in general, but if harnessed it can be used to combat disease.
Maybe he’s been bought, like Tucker Qatarlson.
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