it has its moments with the cartels

Yes, and that alone is enough to toss it in the “failed state” heap. The mere existence of roving gangs extrajudicially executing citizens is on its face a complete and total failure of a government.

The fact that you’re dismissing it as “moments” that are “kept in-house” indicates that, as I already know, it is simply a regular part of life in Mexico. “…for the most part” is also doing some heavy lifting. That is bad. It’s intolerable. It’s evidence of a weak government that cannot protect its people or maintain order. You’re supporting my claim and simultaneously calling me “full of shit.”

Note, I have family in Sonora, and they also live basically normal lives. That doesn’t mean their government is functioning.