This study aims to develop the understanding of how power over civil society emerges, in relation to social capital and power vacuums, based on a case study of cartel activity. The study focuses on two states, Aguascalientes and Chihuahua, in Mexico. A general historical analysis of the development of Mexican politics introduces the paper, after which an extensive examination of the development of the two states and the cartel activity within is explained. To corroborate this examination, a statistical analysis of the states is performed. The study shows that cartels establish their power in areas with low levels of social capital, and where a power vacuum resides. Furthermore, the results show how power vacuums are established in times of organizational change.