Key Vocabulary from Mexican Politics Lecture

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Mexican politics, providing definitions for essential terms from the lecture notes.

Accommodation

The practice of making political compromises to maintain stability and prevent conflict in Mexican politics.

Amerindian

Indigenous peoples native to the Americas, including various ethnic groups in Mexico before and after Spanish colonization.

Amparo

A legal remedy in Mexico that protects individual rights by allowing citizens to challenge laws or government actions that violate their constitutional rights.

Benito Juárez

A prominent Mexican president (1858-1872) known for his reforms that reduced the power of the Catholic Church and military, promoting a secular state.

liberalized the nation, election reforms and limited he church, and expanded personal liberties

Bracero Program

A series of agreements between the U.S. and Mexico (1942-1964) allowing Mexican laborers to work temporarily in the U.S., primarily in agriculture.

Felipe Calderón

Served as the country's president from 2006 to 2012. A member of the National Action Party (PAN), he previously held roles such as Secretary of Energy and director of BANOBRAS (Public Works Bank). During his presidency, Calderón launched a military campaign against drug cartels, leading to increased violence and numerous casualties. He also implemented economic reforms and promoted environmental policies.

Camarilla

• Definition: A camarilla is a term used to describe a group of people who form an informal network of influence, often centered around a powerful leader. This network is typically made up of loyal supporters who use patronage and personal relationships to maintain power and influence.

• Political Use in Mexico: In Mexico, the camarilla system has been most closely associated with the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), particularly during its dominance in the 20th century. Members of the PRI would form camarillas to control resources, enforce loyalty, and manipulate political decisions, including appointments and policy-making.

• Patron-Client System: The camarilla is closely linked to the patron-client system, where political loyalty is rewarded with favors such as jobs, contracts, or other resources. This system was central to the PRI’s ability to maintain political power for much of the 20th century.

• Impact on Politics: The camarilla system reinforced corruption, clientelism, and lack of political transparency. It created a political culture where loyalty to the leader was often more important than policy or governance, leading to inefficiency and sometimes abuse of power.

Campesinos

Rural farmers or peasants in Mexico who work small plots of land and play a significant role in agricultural production.

Caudillo

A military or political leader who holds power through charisma and personal influence, common in Latin American history.

Chamber of Deputies

The lower house of Mexico's bicameral Congress, consisting of 500 members responsible for creating laws and approving the national budget.

Chiapas Rebellion

An uprising in 1994 by the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) in Chiapas, protesting economic policies and advocating for indigenous rights.

Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM)

The largest labor union in Mexico, historically aligned with the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and influential in labor policies.

Constitution of 1917

• Historical Context: The Constitution of 1917 was adopted in the midst of the Mexican Revolution and sought to address the social, political, and economic inequalities that had led to the uprising. It aimed to provide a framework for a more just and democratic Mexico, with an emphasis on social rights and anti-foreign sentiments.

• Key Provisions:

  • Social Rights: The Constitution introduced labor rights, including an 8-hour workday, the right to strike, and labor union protections. It also guaranteed land reforms, calling for the redistribution of land to peasants.

  • Anti-Church Clauses: It limited the power of the Catholic Church, including restrictions on church property ownership and clergy's participation in politics. This reflected the ongoing tensions between the state and the Church.

  • Nationalism and Sovereignty: Article 27 declared that land and resources in Mexico were the property of the nation, restricting foreign ownership of land and limiting foreign control over Mexican natural resources, particularly oil.

• Legacy: The Constitution of 1917 became the foundation for modern Mexico’s legal and political system. It has been amended numerous times but still remains the cornerstone of the country’s governance and continues to shape Mexican policies and social issues.

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Corporatism

A political system where interest groups, such as labor, business, and agricultural sectors, are integrated into the government to influence policy.

Co-optation

The process by which individuals or groups are absorbed into a political system, often by granting them favors or positions to neutralize opposition.

Creole (criollo)

In colonial Mexico, individuals of Spanish descent born in the Americas, often holding a middle position in the social hierarchy.

Cuauhtemoc Cardenas

He served as the governor of Michoacán from 1980 to 1986 and was the first elected Head of Government of Mexico City from 1997 to 1999. Cárdenas is also a founding member of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).

1980s Debt Crisis

• Background: The 1980s Debt Crisis in Mexico occurred when the country faced severe financial troubles due to high levels of external debt accumulated during the 1970s. Mexico borrowed large amounts of money to fund industrialization and development projects, largely relying on foreign loans.

• Crisis Trigger: In 1982, falling oil prices and a shrinking global economy led to Mexico's inability to meet its debt obligations. As the country’s revenue from oil exports plummeted, it defaulted on its debt payments, plunging Mexico into a financial crisis.

• Consequences: The crisis led to the devaluation of the Mexican peso, hyperinflation, and a deep recession. The Mexican government sought financial assistance from international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which imposed strict austerity measures.

• Long-term Effects: The debt crisis triggered neoliberal reforms in the country, including privatization of state-owned enterprises, deregulation, and the opening of Mexico's economy to foreign trade. These measures aimed to stabilize the economy but led to increased inequality and social unrest.

Dedazo

The practice where the sitting president selects their successor, common during the PRI's dominance in the 20th century.

Dependency

An economic theory suggesting that resources flow from poor to wealthy states, keeping developing countries like Mexico in a subordinate position.

Dinosaurs

A colloquial term for members of the PRI resistant to change, often holding onto old practices and opposing reforms.

Drug Wars

Background: The Drug Wars in Mexico refer to the ongoing conflict between the government, drug cartels, and other criminal organizations. These cartels engage in the production, trafficking, and distribution of illegal drugs, particularly marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines.

• Escalation: The conflict intensified in 2006, when President Felipe Calderón launched an aggressive military operation against the cartels, resulting in widespread violence and a surge in organized crime.

• Impact: The drug wars have caused thousands of deaths, widespread corruption, and instability across the country. Cartels fight for control over drug trafficking routes and territory, leading to extreme violence in some regions.

• Ongoing Issues: Despite efforts to combat drug trafficking, the violence continues, fueled by both demand for drugs in countries like the United States and the high profitability of the illegal drug trade. The government has struggled to effectively reduce cartel influence and violence.

Economic Nationalism

Policies aimed at protecting and developing a nation's economy by reducing foreign influence and promoting domestic industries.

Ejido

A system where the government grants land to communities for collective farming, established after the Mexican Revolution to promote land reform.

Election 2000 – Significance

Marked the end of the PRI's 71-year rule, with Vicente Fox of the PAN winning the presidency, signaling a shift towards democratic governance.

Election 2006 – Issues

Characterized by a highly contested and close result between Felipe Calderón (PAN) and Andrés Manuel López Obrador (PRD), leading to political unrest.

Election 2012 – Significance

Saw the return of the PRI to power with the election of Enrique Peña Nieto, raising questions about the party's commitment to democratic reforms.

Emiliano Zapata

• Background: Emiliano Zapata was a Mexican revolutionary leader and a key figure in the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920). He led the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) and was a champion of land reform.

• Main Goal: Zapata fought for the redistribution of land to peasants, advocating for the Plan de Ayala, which called for the return of land to the rural population and the dismantling of large estates owned by wealthy elites and foreign interests.

• Legacy: Known for his famous slogan "Tierra y Libertad" ("Land and Liberty"), Zapata remains a symbol of resistance and the fight for social justice in Mexico, particularly for rural and indigenous communities.

• Death: Zapata was assassinated in 1919 by forces loyal to the government of Venustiano Carranza, but his legacy continues to influence Mexican political movements, especially in southern Mexico.

Enrique Peña Nieto

• Background: Enrique Peña Nieto was the President of Mexico from 2012 to 2018, representing the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), which had returned to power after a 12-year hiatus.

• Economic Reforms: Peña Nieto initiated structural reforms in areas like education, energy, and telecommunications. The energy reform opened up the oil sector to private investment, which was a significant shift from previous nationalization.

• Drug Violence: His administration faced a sharp increase in drug-related violence, with high-profile incidents such as the 43 Ayotzinapa students' disappearance in 2014, which sparked widespread protests and criticism of the government’s handling of the situation.

• Corruption Scandals: Peña Nieto's presidency was marred by corruption scandals, including accusations of bribery and misuse of public funds, and criticism for his failure to fully address corruption within his administration.

Ernesto Zedillo

• Background: Ernesto Zedillo served as the President of Mexico from 1994 to 2000, as a member of the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party).

• Economic Reforms: He oversaw significant economic reforms, including implementing neoliberal policies, such as privatization of state-owned enterprises, and working toward free trade through NAFTA.

• 1994 Peso Crisis: Zedillo's presidency was marked by the 1994 Peso Crisis, a sudden devaluation of the peso, which led to a severe economic recession and a bailout from the U.S. government.

• Democratization: Zedillo made efforts to strengthen democracy in Mexico, including reforms to the electoral system, which led to more political pluralism and paved the way for a non-PRI president to take office in 2000.

EZLN (Zapatistas)

• Origin: The EZLN (Zapatista Army of National Liberation) is a revolutionary group that emerged in Chiapas in 1994, led by Subcomandante Marcos, advocating for indigenous rights and anti-globalization.

• Zapatista Uprising: The EZLN staged an armed rebellion against the Mexican government on January 1, 1994, coinciding with the implementation of NAFTA, protesting the negative impact of globalization on indigenous communities.

• Ideology: The group advocates for autonomy, land rights, anti-neoliberalism, and social justice, focusing on the rights of indigenous Mexicans and challenging the government's policies.

• Legacy: While the armed rebellion was largely quelled, the Zapatistas shifted to nonviolent resistance and became a symbol for indigenous and marginalized communities, continuing to influence social and political movements in Mexico.

Federal District (Mexico City)

The capital of Mexico, serving as the political, economic, and cultural center.

Francisco Madero

• Role in the Mexican Revolution: Francisco Madero was a key figure in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1917), leading the fight against the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz.

• Presidency: Madero became president in 1911 after Díaz was overthrown, but his leadership was challenged by both conservative and revolutionary forces, leading to instability.

• Reforms: His presidency was marked by attempts to implement democratic reforms, including political freedoms and land reforms, but he struggled with opposition from various factions.

• Assassination: Madero was assassinated in 1913 after a military coup, which was backed by U.S. interests, marking a tragic end to his revolutionary leadership and leaving the country in further turmoil.

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Grupos

refers to organized entities such as political parties, electoral coalitions, and advocacy groups that influence the political process.

Import Substitution Industrialization

An economic policy aiming to reduce foreign dependency by producing domestically what was previously imported.

INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral)

Autonomous public organization responsible for organizing federal elections in Mexico, ensuring transparency and legality.

Lázaro Cárdenas

• Presidency: Lázaro Cárdenas was the President of Mexico from 1934 to 1940, and is considered one of the most transformative figures in Mexican history.

• Land Reforms: Cárdenas is best known for his agrarian reform program, which redistributed land to peasants through the creation of ejidos (collective farms), addressing rural poverty and land inequality.

• Nationalization: He nationalized the oil industry in 1938, creating PEMEX (Petroleos Mexicanos), a state-owned company, which gave Mexico control over its natural resources and bolstered its national economy.

• Political Impact: Cárdenas strengthened the power of the Mexican state and the presidency, promoted a more inclusive and populist government, and reduced the influence of foreign corporations and the Catholic Church.

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Machismo

A strong sense of masculine pride, influencing traditional gender roles in Mexican culture.

Maquiladoras

Foreign-owned factories located in Mexico that import materials duty-free for assembly or manufacturing.

Mestizo

Individuals of mixed European (primarily Spanish) and Indigenous ancestry, significant in shaping Mexico's identity.

Mexican Miracle

refers to a period of rapid economic growth in Mexico from the 1940s to the 1970s, primarily under the leadership of President Lázaro Cárdenas and his successors. This era saw significant industrialization, infrastructure development, and improvements in public services such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. The PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) played a central role in this development, using a state-led model that combined economic nationalism and corporatism, where various interest groups were incorporated into policy-making. A key part of this period was the nationalization of key industries, including oil, which led to the creation of PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos), the state-owned oil company.

Mexican Revolution (1910–1920)

was a major social, political, and economic upheaval that sought to end the Porfiriato, the authoritarian regime of Porfirio Díaz, who ruled Mexico for over 30 years. The revolution was fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few elite landowners and foreign investors, while most Mexicans, especially peasants, faced poverty and landlessness. Additionally, laborers and the middle class were excluded from power, and political freedoms were severely restricted.

Miguel de la Madrid

• Presidency: Miguel de la Madrid served as the President of Mexico from 1982 to 1988, during a period of economic crisis and significant political change.

• Economic Reforms: He oversaw the shift towards neoliberal economic policies, including market liberalization, privatization of state-owned industries, and reductions in government spending as part of structural adjustment programs.

• Economic Crisis: His presidency began amidst the 1982 debt crisis, where Mexico faced severe economic challenges, including a major currency devaluation and rising foreign debt.

• Political Legacy: While de la Madrid is credited with initiating Mexico's transition towards a more market-driven economy, his administration was also marked by allegations of corruption and the mishandling of the 1985 Mexico City earthquake response.

MORENA (Movimiento Regeneración Nacional)

A left-wing political party founded by Andrés Manuel López Obrador in 2014, advocating for anti-corruption and social justice.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

A trade agreement implemented in 1994 between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada aimed at eliminating trade barriers.

Non-reelection

A principle in Mexican politics that prohibits public officials, including the President, from serving consecutive terms.

Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO)

• Current President: Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) is the current president of Mexico, serving since December 2018 under the MORENA (National Regeneration Movement) party.

• Political Shift: AMLO is a left-wing leader known for his populist policies, aiming to reduce inequality and combat corruption.

• Past Roles: Before becoming president, he was the Head of Government of Mexico City from 2000 to 2005 and a two-time presidential candidate (2006, 2012), losing in close races before finally winning in 2018.

• Policies: His administration has focused on social welfare programs, improving the economy for the poor, and pushing for anti-corruption measures, while facing criticism for some of his economic and governance strategies.

Organization of American States (OAS)

A continental organization promoting democracy, human rights, security, and development across the Americas.

PAN (Partido Acción Nacional)

A center-right political party in Mexico founded in 1939, advocating for free-market policies and democratic governance.

Pancho Villa

• Mexican Revolutionary Leader: Pancho Villa was a prominent figure in the Mexican Revolution, leading the northern revolutionary army in a fight against the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz and later against other factions.

• Champion of the Poor: Villa was seen as a champion of the rural poor and fought for land reforms, redistributing land to peasants.

• Military Tactics: Known for his bold and unconventional military tactics, Villa was a key leader in the battles that led to the eventual overthrow of Díaz.

• Legacy: Although his post-revolutionary influence waned, Villa remains a legendary and controversial figure in Mexican history, symbolizing both resistance and the complex struggles of the revolution.

Parastatal

A government-owned corporation or agency that engages in commercial activities on behalf of the state.

Patron-Client System (Camarillas)

A network of personal relationships between powerful individuals (patrons) and their supporters or subordinates (clients).

PEMEX (Petróleos Mexicanos)

Mexico's state-owned oil company, established after the nationalization of the oil industry.

Pendulum Effect/Theory

The historical political pattern in Mexico where government policies alternate between conservative and liberal ideologies.

Political Centralism

A system where the federal government holds significant power over states and municipalities, concentrating authority.

Políticos

Traditional politicians within the political party system in Mexico, often relying on party loyalty.

Porfirio Díaz – Characteristics of the Porfiriato

• Authoritarian Rule: Porfirio Díaz centralized power, controlling elections and suppressing political opposition, creating a personal dictatorship.

• Economic Growth: Focused on industrialization, attracting foreign investment, and building infrastructure, but benefits were mainly for elites and foreign companies.

• Social Inequality: Peasants were displaced from land, forced into labor, and faced harsh conditions while the elite prospered.

• Limited Political Freedoms: Political freedoms were repressed, and economic growth led to deeper inequalities.

Presidentialism (Presidencialismo)

A political system where the President holds substantial executive power, dominating other branches of government.

PRD (Partido de la Revolución Democrática)

A left-wing political party founded in 1989 in Mexico advocating for democratic reforms and social justice.

PRI (Partido Revolucionario Institucional)

A centrist political party that dominated Mexican politics for much of the 20th century.

PVEM (Partido Verde Ecologista de México)

A political party focused on environmental issues, advocating for sustainable development and conservation.

Sexenio

The six-year term served by Mexican presidents, prohibited from serving more than one term.

Structural Adjustment Programs (Neoliberalism)

Economic policies aimed at stabilizing economies by reducing government spending and promoting free-market mechanisms.

Técnicos

Technocrats in Mexican politics holding positions due to technical expertise, contrasted with traditional politicians.

The “New Class”

• Emergence of Technocrats: The “New Class” refers to educated, business-oriented leaders who rose to power in the PRI during the 1970s and 1980s, shifting away from the traditional political elites.

• Focus on Neoliberalism: They were responsible for implementing neoliberal economic policies, including market liberalization and privatization of state-owned industries.

• Political Power Shift: This group gained significant influence in government, often occupying key bureaucratic and corporate positions, helping to shape Mexico’s policies.

• Contrasted with Traditional PRI: Unlike the traditional PRI leadership, which was often made up of more rural elites, the "New Class" embraced a more technocratic and business-centric approach to governance.

USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement)

• Trade Agreement: The USMCA is a trade deal signed in 2018 between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

• Modernization: It updated various aspects of NAFTA to address modern trade issues such as digital trade, labor rights, and environmental standards.

• Economic Impact: The agreement aimed to increase trade, boost economic growth, and create jobs by improving market access and creating fairer trade practices between the three countries.

• Focus on Fairness: USMCA included provisions to ensure fairer trade, especially in areas like automotive manufacturing, intellectual property, and agricultural products.

Vicente Fox

• First Non-PRI President: Vicente Fox was elected president in 2000, marking the first time in 71 years that a candidate from outside the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) won the presidency.

• Political Background: He was a member of the PAN (National Action Party) and served as the governor of Guanajuato before becoming president.

• Key Reforms: Fox focused on improving democratic processes, economic stability, and reducing corruption, though his administration faced challenges in pushing through significant reforms due to gridlock in Congress.

• Impact on Mexico's International Relations: He played a key role in strengthening Mexico’s relations with the United States, particularly in trade, but struggled with domestic issues, including drug violence and economic inequality.

WTO (World Trade Organization)

International organization regulating global trade, influencing Mexico's trade policies.

Order of all political figures mentioned

• Porfirio Díaz (1830–1915):

  • Era: Late 19th to early 20th century.​

  • Role: Served as President of Mexico for multiple terms between 1876 and 1911. His long rule, known as the "Porfiriato," was marked by modernization and economic growth but also by political repression and social inequality.​

• Lázaro Cárdenas (1895–1970):

  • Era: 1930s to 1940s.​

  • Role: President from 1934 to 1940. He is renowned for nationalizing the oil industry in 1938, leading to the creation of PEMEX, and for implementing extensive land reforms benefiting peasants.​

• Emiliano Zapata (1879–1919):

  • Era: Mexican Revolution (1910–1920).​

  • Role: A leading figure in the Mexican Revolution, Zapata championed agrarian rights and led the Liberation Army of the South, advocating for land reforms encapsulated in the slogan "Tierra y Libertad" (Land and Liberty).​Wikipedia

• Pancho Villa (1878–1923):

  • Era: Mexican Revolution (1910–1920).​

  • Role: Another prominent revolutionary leader, Villa commanded the Division of the North and was instrumental in various military campaigns during the revolution.​

• Miguel de la Madrid (1934–2012):

  • Era: 1980s.​Financial Times

  • Role: President from 1982 to 1988. His administration faced economic challenges, including the 1982 debt crisis, and he implemented neoliberal policies aimed at economic stabilization.​

• Vicente Fox (born 1942):

  • Era: Early 2000s.​

  • Role: President from 2000 to 2006. Representing the National Action Party (PAN), his election ended 71 years of Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) dominance. His tenure focused on economic reforms and improving U.S.-Mexico relations.​

• Enrique Peña Nieto (born 1966):

  • Era: 2010s.​

  • Role: President from 2012 to 2018. His administration implemented significant structural reforms in education, energy, and telecommunications but faced criticism over issues like corruption and security.​

• Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) (born 1953):

  • Era: Late 2010s to early 2020s.​

  • Role: President from 2018 to 2024. Founder of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), his presidency emphasized anti-corruption measures, social programs, and a shift towards a more state-centered economic approach.​Wikipedia

• Claudia Sheinbaum (born 1962):

  • Era: 2020s.​

  • Role: Assumed office as President on October 1, 2024, becoming Mexico's first female president. Previously served as Head of Government of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023. Her administration focuses on continuing social programs and addressing economic challenges.

Important event in order (Just a guess)

• Mexican War of Independence (1810–1821):

  • Initiated on September 16, 1810, by Miguel Hidalgo's call for independence, leading to Mexico's liberation from Spanish rule on September 27, 1821.​Ducksters

• Porfiriato (1876–1911):

  • The period during which Porfirio Díaz ruled Mexico, characterized by economic modernization and political repression.​

• Mexican Revolution (1910–1920):

  • A major armed struggle that led to significant social and political reforms, including the drafting of the Constitution of 1917.​

• Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) Founded (1929):

  • Established as the National Revolutionary Party (PNR), later renamed PRI, it dominated Mexican politics for much of the 20th century.​

• Lázaro Cárdenas Presidency (1934–1940):

  • Known for nationalizing the oil industry in 1938, leading to the creation of PEMEX, and implementing extensive land reforms.​

• North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Enacted (1994):

  • A trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada aimed at eliminating tariffs and fostering economic integration.​

• Vicente Fox Elected President (2000):

  • His election ended 71 years of PRI dominance, representing the National Action Party (PAN).​

• Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) Elected President (2018):

  • Founder of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA), his presidency focused on anti-corruption measures and social programs.​

• United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implemented (2020):

  • Replaced NAFTA, updating trade relations among the three countries with new provisions on labor and environmental standards.​

• Claudia Sheinbaum Assumes Presidency (2024):

  • Became Mexico's first female president, succeeding AMLO and continuing many of his policies.