by Ellen Mass
This article is part one of a series on Mexico’s history and economic development
—
In Mexico astounding nation-wide changes are transforming the daily life of toiling workers and their families. Deeming this historic economic development as either inferior or unworthy of public interest the US media has blacked out the story of Mexico’s rapid growth,, substituting coverage of drug scandals and recurring images of an impoverished population.. In reality, Mexican policies demonstrate that prosperity can be gained by a ‘growth from the bottom up’ strategy.
Located in the southern tip of North America, the present government has created societal benefits to millions especially among hundreds of Indigenous tribes, peasants, farmers, teachers, youth, the elderly, and women. Financial changes of this dimension represent an urgent need to develop international trade and internal infrastructure as rapidly as possible for Mexico to remain fiscally sound with minimum inflation.
Perhaps Mexico’s tumultuous history has been festering, in its subconscious memory, to complete the long held dream of complete sovereignty stemming from original Independendista Bishop Hidalgo in 1810.
Mexico´s enormous leaps in financial wealth have stunned western observers. Mexico is the second largest nation in Latin America in strong economic competition with Brazil. It is the 15th largest global economy with the goal of making the top 10 by 2030. It is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world. Journalists, including this author, have surmised that the negative media coverage of Mexico as a haven for drug cartels, fentanyl producers, or angry migrant hordes at the US border, stems from a long-standing cultural nativism, that views migrants as employment thieves and violent criminals. At the same time, US employers fear that some of the 40 million legal and illegal US Mexicans working in vital US food and agricultural sectors may return home to Mexico with its strong labor market and substantial benefits.
In a landslide victory, Mexico elected the first woman to the presidency in June of 2024, presidenta, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo Positive economic trends became evident during the last 6 years of her predecessor, Andreas Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO). His government made large public investments in energy, transportation, technology and human resources. Substantial ‘near-shoring’ investment from EU, USA, China, Russia and other nations has provided a brighter horizon for the country’s economic future. Mexico´s working class is also leading changes in data and chip production technology and agricultural innovation, thanks to low cost or free openings in expanded university and polytech enrollment that prepare low income Mexicans for leadership and entrepreneurship. Returning deportees may take advantage of these opportunities; although US employers may make every effort to continue low wage-no benefit jobs for Mexican workers. Combined with increased hostility to Mexicans in the US, these new opportunities may diminish the search for “greener pastures” in the US.
Mexico´s transition away from colonial and neo-liberal rule to become a leading power in the Americas recalls previous transformations unique in North America and a willingness to challenge great odds in a quest toward progress. Geographically the North American landmass links Mexico and the United States on one tectonic plate. This geographical unity may foretell new symbolic connections as well. Mexico’s rich attributes, including its present peaceful development, may bring forth a unity that will benefit human beings across the entire continent.
Ellen Mass is a member of MAPA’s Latin America and Caribbean Working Group