The murder epidemic in Latin America is an appalling tragedy. But it is also an incredibly complex public policy challenge

stemming from problems that have plagued the region for decades: drug trafficking, organized crime, contraband, illegal mining, land rights, and in some cases, violence by state security forces themselves. AQ looks at the wide range of policies presidents have implemented (and presidents-elect are proposing) to protect the lives of their citizens.

NOTE: DATA ARE FROM 2017 EXCEPT FOR ARGENTINA, BOLIVIA, BRAZIL, CHILE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, PANAMA, PERU, AND URUGUAY FIGURES, WHICH ARE FROM 2016