Mexico

Dependency Theory
A theory suggesting that developing nations remain economically dependent on wealthier countries due to the structure of global trade, limiting their growth and development.

Fragile States Index
A tool that ranks countries based on their vulnerability to conflict and instability, assessing factors like political, social, and economic pressures.

Global South
A term used to describe developing countries, primarily located in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, that face economic and political challenges.

Globalization
The increasing interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and politics worldwide, driven by trade, technology, and communication.

Human Development Index (HDI)
A composite measure of a country’s development, considering life expectancy, education, and per capita income.

Microcredit
Small loans provided to individuals, often in developing countries, to encourage entrepreneurship and alleviate poverty.

Multinational Corporation (MNC)
A large company that operates and invests in multiple countries, often influencing local economies and politics.

Newly Industrialized Country (NIC)
A nation that has transitioned from an agricultural-based economy to a more industrialized, export-driven economy.

Nongovernmental Organization (NGO)
A non-profit organization that operates independently of the government to address social, environmental, or political issues.

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
An intergovernmental organization that coordinates oil production policies among major oil-exporting countries to regulate global prices.

Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs)
Economic policies promoted by international financial institutions to reform and stabilize developing economies, often requiring austerity and privatization.

Subsistence Economy: A subsistence economy is an economic system in which people produce enough goods and services to meet their own needs, with little to no surplus for trade or exchange. The focus is on self-sufficiency rather than profit-making.

Camarilla: A camarilla refers to a small group of influential individuals or advisors who hold power within a larger organization or government. In a political context, it often refers to a network of political insiders who manipulate decisions behind the scenes.

Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI): The PRI is a political party in Mexico that held uninterrupted power for much of the 20th century. Founded in 1929, it was the dominant party in Mexico, often associated with a centralized, corporatist approach to governance. It was instrumental in the formation of modern Mexico's political system but was criticized for its authoritarian practices.

Maquiladora: A maquiladora is a factory in Mexico, often located along the U.S.-Mexico border, that assembles imported materials into finished goods for export. These factories are often foreign-owned, and they take advantage of Mexico's lower labor costs while benefiting from trade agreements like NAFTA.

Mestizo: A mestizo is a person of mixed European (especially Spanish) and Indigenous ancestry. In Latin America, the term is commonly used to describe the dominant cultural and racial group, a blend of European and Indigenous peoples.

National Action Party (PAN): The PAN is a political party in Mexico that traditionally supports conservative and pro-business policies. It emerged as an opposition to the PRI and has been in power intermittently, with a focus on democratic reforms and market-oriented economic policies.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): NAFTA was a trade agreement signed in 1994 between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It aimed to eliminate trade barriers and promote economic cooperation among the three countries by reducing tariffs and increasing cross-border investments and trade.

Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD): The PRD is a left-wing political party in Mexico, founded in 1989 by former members of the PRI. It advocates for social democracy, progressive policies, and greater political and economic rights for marginalized groups. The PRD was a significant force in Mexican politics in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX): PEMEX is Mexico's state-owned petroleum company, responsible for the extraction, refinement, and distribution of petroleum and natural gas. It is one of the largest and most important companies in Mexico, playing a central role in the country’s economy.

Sexenio: A sexenio is a six-year term of office, particularly in reference to the presidency of Mexico. Mexican presidents are elected to a single six-year term, with no possibility of re-election. This system is unique in Mexico’s political structure.