Potential of the quasi-interregional relationship between Mexico and the African Union in the context of the crisis of Latin American regionalism

• In Event: Dilemas y desafíos diplomáticos África-América Latina

Abstract

With the aim of filling a theoretical and practical void when referring to quasi-interregional relations as a foreign policy strategy, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the potentialities (if they exist) of the eventual establishment of a formal relationship between Mexico and the African Union, the latter being the only continental integration regime in the world and, therefore, the most important integration regime in Africa.

Specifically, we seek to answer the following question: what can Mexico and the African Union offer each other to be considered, in the short or medium term, as potential partners?

This will allow us to assess whether it would be beneficial for both actors to formalize a next generation cooperation relationship, that is, one that transcends political cycles and alternations and goes beyond trade and investment flows, including political, cultural, social and educational issues, among others.

Clearly, Mexico is underrepresented in the African continent, especially due to the few numbers of embassies or diplomatic representations and the marginal bilateral trade. This is why it is important to consider alternatives to improve relations between regions that, contrary to popular belief, have much in common.

Author

• José Joel Peña Llanes, National Autonomous University of Mexico