Politics: Mexico’s foreign policy under Morena's governments
Since the 1930s, Mexican foreign policy has been based in theory on the Estrada Doctrine as codified in two principles: non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and national self-determination. Independently of domestic policies and whichever president was in office, Mexico’s adhesion to the Estrada Doctrine and its two principles boosted the country’s prestige in broad circles of international public opinion and among developing nations. The Estrada Doctrine was also a convenient cover to be able to remain “neutral” in the East-West rivalry of the Cold War and in regional conflicts. At the same time, Mexico was and remains a player in the international arena, especially in Latin America, due to the size of its economy, its membership in international financial institutions and cooperation agreements, and its proximity and relationship with the United States.
Although AMLO clearly identified with the left, he placed a very low priority on international affairs, based on the idea that “the best foreign policy is a good domestic policy”. He only made eight visits abroad in his six-year administration. Yet at the same time, his government had diplomatic conflicts with countries such as Spain, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia and enjoyed cordial ties with Cuba and Venezuela.
With Claudia Sheinbaum, international affairs occupy a more central role in the government’s concerns. In her first year in office, Sheinbaum has already made four international trips. Her commitment to multilateralism, and her pragmatic approach and statesmanship, especially in regard to the Donald Trump administration, have been hailed. At the same time, Sheinbaum’s ideological loyalties still lead to ambiguities and contradictions, and limit the leadership role she could play in Latin America. This was illustrated by her announcement several days ago that she would not attend the Summit of the Americas in the Dominican Republic after that country decided not to invite Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
The major challenges Sheinbaum faces all concern relations with Washington, specifically tariffs, migration, drug trafficking and organized crime, and above all the review and possible renegotiation of the USMCA trade treaty. How well the President can attend to these issues and navigate the narrow maneuvering room Mexico has with the Trump administration will be crucial for the country’s immediate future.
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