Mexico in the New International Scenarios

Rooted in the conclusion of bipolarity in the world, says Roberta Lajous, we are witnessing a dynamic international situation with regionalism on the one hand, and on the other, multipolarity. Within regionalism we can distinguish three economic blocs: the first is composed of the member countries of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the South Cone Common Market, and the possible conformation of the Free Trade Area of The Americas; the second, by those of the European Union; and the third, by those that will probably join together in Asia. The author recounts the achievements and backsliding observed in each of these regions, as well as those of the intra- and extra-regional trade scenarios. As regards multipolarity, Roberta Lajous differentiates the centers of power into world powers (for example, the United States, Germany and Japan), transitional powers (China, the Russian Federation, and India), and regional or subregional powers (South Africa, Brazil and Mexico). She also analyzes the economic, military and demographic trends of the identified powers in order to have an overall view of their strengths and weaknesses, and taking these factors into account, she proposes scenarios of multipolarity. Based on the two major trends discussed, regionalism and multipolarity, the author points out several routes Mexico can follow. She considers it indispensable to reinforce Mexican foreign policy, a process that is accompanied by internal development directed toward achieving palpable results with solid foundations for Mexican society.