The Democratic Paradox: Survival in Times of Insecurity, Crime, Violence and Mistrust

• In Event: Crime and Violence, Civil-Military Relations, and Democracy in Mexico

Abstract

My presentation will examine the failures and accomplishments of Enrique Peña Nieto during his first two and half years in office. I believe the most significant political achievement of PRI to date is the Pacto por México – Indeed, I would argue that it has the potential for being the most influential political outcome since the 2000 election. I will explain what it suggests about his team and his approach, why this is such a demarcation from past democratic politics, and why it represents a striking change in orientation focused on the political process. Moreover, I will analyze these changes in the larger context of Mexican democracy. Why is this so significant? Every political analyst I know believes Mexico achieved an electoral democracy in 2000, reinforced again in the 2012 election by PRI’s victory. But Mexico has not achieved a consolidated democracy, that is, a functioning democracy. For example, it lacks a culture of law, transparency, and accountability. Consequently, I will describe some of the most important obstacles and explain their consequences for achieving a consolidated democracy in Mexico.

Author

• Roderic A Camp, Claremont McKenna College