Political Transformation During The Economic Transition In Mexico

Since the beginning of 1980s, with the economic transition, the economic, social, and political conditions have changed considerably in Mexico. In order to maintain the legitimacy of political rule, Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), the ruling party, had implemented political reforms in various areas, especially as regards to the reform of election system. In such context, political transformation took place in Mexico.The dissertation analyses the political transformation happening in this economic transition in Mexico. It divides into three chapters. Chapter One analyses the historical background in which the political transformation occurred and explains the reasons why this transformation happened precisely in the period of economic transition. Mexico's political transformation took place in a special historical context in which political, economic and social conditions differed significantly from before. It was not simply the result of someone's personal will or external pressures.Chapter Two explores the guiding ideology, forms and contents of political reforms, trying to answer why the political transformation have proceeded in a relative peaceful way. The guiding ideology and main forms of political reforms in Mexico guarantee that main political parties cooperated during the process of the transformation under control of the Government. The political transformation with the reform of the election system as its core guarantees the peaceful proceeding of political changes with political and social stability.Chapter Three discusses the outcomes of the political transformation. The political changes that occurred in economic transition have rendered significant impacts on Mexican political system. The changes of political system brought about by the transformation are helpful to the further improvement of the bourgeois procedural democracy, reduction of the inherent flaws of political system and the legitimization and proceduralization of some political institutions and its functioning. However, it must be pointed out that the political transformation has its own defects and limitations that cannot be overcome.Three lessons can be drawn from this political transformation. First, political reforms should be carried out in order to meet the requirements of political, economic and social developments. Second, It is important that the ruling party should maintain internal unity, strengthen its own force, and seek consensus on the issue of political reforms within the party. Third, it is essential that great attention should be given to the external factors, make adequate appraisal of the influence of these factors on the internal political development, and minimize the possible external shocks.