Why is it difficult to keep cartel alive?

Keeping a cartel alive is difficult due to the inherent tensions and mistrust among its members, as they often compete for market share and profits. Additionally, external factors such as regulatory scrutiny and law enforcement actions can threaten their operations. Internal disagreements over pricing and supply can also lead to conflicts that undermine the cartel's stability. Lastly, the potential for new entrants into the market can disrupt the cartel's control, making it harder to maintain cohesion.