Rafaella Lipschitz

The first panel, hosted by @rlipschitz01, will focus on cartel networks in #LatinAmerica and their interaction with regional geopolitics, necessitating new demands for U.S. policy. The panel will spotlight key experts Stefano Ritondale (@artoriastech), James Bosworth, @GCorreaCabrera, and @WillGFreeman. newlinesinstitute.org/event/mafiacra…

TOMORROW: we launch the @NewLinesInst's Mafiacracies Project, a deep dive into relationships between criminal networks and state/non-state governance. As part of the launch, we’ll be hosting two panels on cartels in #LatinAmerica and #Russia's grayzone criminality on Thursday, March 18, from 10 AM - 1:15 PM EST. An event you won't want to miss if you are following criminality, security, and political systems. RSVP for the event here: newlinesinstitute.org/event/mafiacra…

After calling organized crime the most “immediate threat” to South Africa, #Ramaphosa plans to deploy SANDF in several provinces to fight gang violence. Soldiers have already been deployed in and around #Johannesburg to take on illegal gold mining, and more are expected to be deployed in the #CapeFlats in Cape Town to fight rampant gang violence. While this might help ease some violence in the short-term, it is far from a long-term solution, especially in places like the Cape Flats where the root causes for gang recruitment are not addressed. Ramaphosa’s acknowledgement of the scale of organized crime in South Africa is important, especially as the #MadlangaCommission continues to grip the country. But reducing criminality in SA comes down to closing wealth inequality gaps, not deploying the army and building walls around the Cape Flats to further entrench that inequality.

With the launch of the Mafiacracies Project, @NewLinesInst will be hosting a series of panels exploring the thin line between criminality and governance in fragile states across the globe. Moderated by @rlipschitz01 and @Robert_Kremzner, the panels will bring together leading experts with cutting-edge insight. Join us at 10AM on Wednesday, March 18. Register for the launch here: eventbrite.com/e/new-lines-in…

[#Event] New Lines’ Crime-Conflict team is launching the Mafiacracies Project, examining how state & nonstate criminal behavior shapes governance, conflict, and security worldwide. 🗓 Mar 18 | 10 AM EST | Online Two expert panels: • Organized Crime & Governance in Latin America • Russian Gray Zone Criminality in Europe & beyond Register: eventbrite.com/e/new-lines-in…

Very excited to be moderating a panel for the upcoming launch of the @NewlinesInst Mafiacracies Project. This panel on organized crime in Latin America will feature expert speakers including @All_Source_News, @GCorreaCabrera, @WillGFreeman, and @bloggingsbyboz. Register for the virtual event here: eventbrite.com/e/new-lines-in…

I'm pleased to announce that the @NewLinesInst's Crime-Conflict Nexus Portfolio will launch a special new project on 'mafiacracies'. This initiative will explore how state and nonstate criminal behavior affects governance and security worldwide. We are launching this project on March 18th with an exciting event from 10 AM - 1:15 PM EST, featuring two panels on cartels in Latin America and Russian grayzone criminal activity. You can register here to attend: eventbrite.com/e/new-lines-in…

Very excited that the @NewlinesInst's Crime-Conflict Nexus portfolio is launching the Mafiacracies Project, a new initiative that will explore how state and nonstate criminal behavior affects governance and security worldwide. We will be hosting an online event on March 18th to mark the launch, with two panels examining organized crime in Latin America and Russian grayzone criminal activity. Register for the launch here: eventbrite.com/e/new-lines-in…

US forces providing intel and logistical support to #Ecuador military targeting gangs labeled as terrorist orgs, either Los Lobos or Choneros. theguardian.com/us-news/2026/m…

“Ultimately, #CDS is more accurately described as a system of corruption rather than the organized criminal network it was labeled by the U.S.” writes @rlipschitz01 for Orion Policy Institute. Her article delves deep into the origins of Cartel de los Soles in #Venezuela, and the challenges that regional stakeholders face in dismantling it. Read the full article here: orionpolicy.org/understanding-…

Mexico faces a central bind with cartels. When it allows crime kings like El Mencho to walk free that’s impunity. But when it takes them down it unleashes violence as their gunmen hit soldiers and fight each other for their empires. I write in the NYT: nytimes.com/2026/02/26/opi…

In a strategy standard to the “War on Drugs,” #Mexico's armed forces killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (#CJNG), 'El Mencho', provoking widespread cartel violence. For her latest piece at @NewLinesInst, @rlipschitz01 explores this “kingpin strategy” and its efficacy. Read the full article here: newlinesinstitute.org/global-securit…

For the latest episode of Crime Beat Conversations, part of the @NewLinesInst Crime-Conflict Nexus portfolio, @rlipschitz01 met with @all_source_news to discuss the Sinaloa cartel civil war and how it’s reshaping our understanding of Mexican cartel factions and alliances. Watch the full episode here: youtube.com/watch?v=3qP2iz…

In my latest piece for @NewlinesInst Crime-Conflict project, I discuss El Mencho’s death, what to watch for in CJNG over the next few weeks, and the problems associated with the kingpin strategy newlinesinstitute.org/global-securit…

Our most recent policy brief, which is the second part of our new Transnational Crime Project (OPI-TCP) series, examines how the Cartel de Los Soles has adapted and persisted across changing political, economic, and security conditions in #Venezuela. @rlipschitz01 provides context for understanding the group’s role within broader discussions of transnational crime in the region. #TransnationalCrime #RegionalSecurity #LatinAmerica #CarteldeLosSoles Read at: orionpolicy.org/understanding-…

On 23 Feb. we saw a greatly diminished response from the CJNG across Mexico, but still are seeing active CJNG retaliations in Jalisco, Michoacán, Tabasco, and Baja California.

Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tapalpa, Jalisco have all been reporting heavy blockades and clashes after a military operation. What is going on today could be a major event for the war in México.

#ÚLTIMAHORA 🚨 Abaten a Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho", líder del CJNG

Thanks for having me on again!