Question:

Would you say he deserves the place on this list and why?

Answers:

Miguel Levario, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Texas Tech University

I do think my argument holds true to some extent because there should be a level of ethics when dealing with "influential" people. However, it is a bit complicated because if it is about "influence" than yes, he is very influential because of the amount of capital he moves and the affect he has on people's lives through his drug trade. Regardless, that his wealth stems from clandestine activity he is an influential person in North America and beyond. Until we can undermine his influence and as long as people use drugs, he will have a direct and indirect affect on society. Again, the ethical standard still holds true. He is in a group that includes many heads of state and spiritual leaders. I think a more critical caption could be used on Mr. Guzman. Far more complicated when the list is for "influence."

John Hart, Professor of History,University of Houston

I would defend his inclusion on that Forbes list by pointing out that he controls at least $10 billion in annual profits imported from the U.S. into Mexico based on enormous drug export values from Mexico entering the U.S.. He also has considerable but poorly understood political influence, at least on the regional level. His organization, the Federation, or Sinaloa Cartel, has outreach to Bogota, Colombia; Los Angeles, Ca., Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Houston, Tx, and points north in the United States.

George Grayson, Professor, Department of Government, College of William & Mary Williamsburg, Author of the book Mexico: Narco Violence and a Failed State?

No one outside El Chapo's circle knows his wealth. Forbes' ranking must have been a guess, possibly too low. In any case, I believe it was a journalistic artifice to attract attention to this year rankings and to sell magazines. Chapo plays his cards close to his vest, and only his accountant knows how much money he has--much of it invested in real estate, businesses, and other activities in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa.

No doubt he deserves the place on the list of the powerful because El Chapo heads the extremely dangerous and successful Sinaloa Cartel. However, his criminal organization is rapidly being eclipsed by Los Zetas, which are based in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Again, I believe the primary motive was sensationalism as reflected in the substantial number of articles about the Forbes ranking.

John Bailey, Professor, Department of Government and School of Foreign Service Director, Georgetown University

I'm always amazed about the numbers that get tossed around with respect to the drug trade. If Chapo Guzman really exists & still exercises some power he doubtless has a lot of money. But he's more a symbolic figure. He is to the drug trade what Osama bin Laden is to terrorism: the ultimate fear.