Mexico gov

Westernization Theory

A theory suggesting that societies become more modern and successful through the adoption of Western political, economic, and cultural practices.

Dependency Theory

A theory that asserts that resources flow from a periphery of poor and underdeveloped states to a core of wealthy states, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

Import Substitution

An economic policy aimed at replacing foreign imports with domestic production.

Structural Adjustment

Economic reforms and policies implemented by countries in debt in exchange for financial assistance from international organizations.

Mestizo

A person of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry in Latin America.

Mexican Independence

The process through which Mexico gained independence from Spanish rule, culminating in 1821.

Fr. Miguel Hidalgo

A Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary leader who is known for launching the Mexican War of Independence.

Caudillo

A military or political leader in Spanish-speaking countries, often authoritarian in nature.

Porfirio Diaz

A Mexican general and politician who served as president for much of the late 19th century, known for his authoritarian regime.

Cientificos

A group of Mexican intellectuals who supported the policies of Porfirio Diaz and advocated for modernization and economic development.

Revolution of 1910

A major armed struggle that transformed Mexican culture and government, resulting in the end of the Diaz regime.

Populism

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often against a perceived elite.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless system in which the means of production are owned communally.

Socialism

An economic and political system in which the means of production are owned or regulated by the community as a whole.

Liberalism

A political ideology favoring individual liberties, democracy, and free market economies.

Fascism

An authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization.

Cristero War

A violent uprising in Mexico from 1926 to 1929 in response to anti-Catholic laws enacted by the government.

Fr. Miguel Pro

A Jesuit priest executed in 1927 during the Cristero War, known as a martyr for the faith.

PRI

The Institutional Revolutionary Party, which dominated Mexican politics for much of the 20th century.

Sexenio

The six-year presidential term in Mexico.

Patron-Client Network

A system of mutual obligations between patrons (powerful figures) and clients (individuals reliant on them for resources).

Clientelism

A political system where goods and services are exchanged for political support.

Camarillas

Informal networks of political patronage and influence in Mexico.

Lazaro Cardenas

A key figure in the Mexican Revolution, known for his agrarian reforms and nationalization of the oil industry.

Ejidos

Communal lands used for agriculture in Mexico, established by the land reforms after the Revolution.

PEMEX

The state-owned petroleum company of Mexico.

Federal Election Institute

An independent agency responsible for organizing federal elections in Mexico.

PAN

The National Action Party, a major political party in Mexico, center-right.

Morena/National Regeneration Movement

A left-wing political party in Mexico founded by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador

The current president of Mexico, known for his leftist policies and advocacy for social justice.

Dedazo

A practice in Mexican politics where the outgoing president selects their successor.

Political Institutions, Powers & Structure

The framework of political entities, their functions, and the rules governing political processes.

MMP

Mixed-Member Proportional representation, a voting system that combines first-past-the-post and proportional representation.

2008 Judicial Reform

A series of changes intended to improve Mexico's judicial system, increasing transparency and efficiency.

Co-optation

The process by which individuals are integrated into a political system in order to gain their support or eliminate opposition.

Emerging/Transitional Democracy

A government system in the process of transitioning from an authoritarian regime to a more democratic one.

The Mexican Miracle

A period of rapid economic growth in Mexico from 1940 to 1970, characterized by industrialization and modernization.

Parastatal

A government-owned corporation or agency that operates in the marketplace.

Mexican Debt Crisis

A financial crisis that emerged in the 1980s due to excessive borrowing and economic mismanagement.

World Trade Organization

An intergovernmental organization that regulates international trade.

NAFTA, Achievements and Problems

The North American Free Trade Agreement which promoted trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, but also faced criticism for job losses.

USMCA

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade deal intended to replace NAFTA.

Maquiladoras

Manufacturing plants in Mexico that import materials and equipment on a tariff-free basis for assembly.

Zapatistas

A revolutionary leftist group in Mexico that emerged in the 1990s, advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Subcomandante Marcos

A spokesperson for the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, known for his charismatic leadership.

Chiapas

A southern state in Mexico known for its Indigenous population and the site of the Zapatista uprising.