PSCI 246(S) Contemporary Mexican Politics*

The futures of Mexico and the United States now seem bound more closely than ever. Yet Mexico enters this future with a much different past and, compared to our own, its political system obeys some very different rules. Who has benefitted from the system erected after the revolution, how is this system changing, and can it persist? This course explores several themes relating to current Mexican politics: the North American Free Trade Agreement and the turn to a neo-liberal development strategy; problems of the countryside; Mexican national identity; law enforcement issues with the U.S.; challenges to the ruling party's dominance; the hyper-urbanization of Mexico City; the in-bond manufacturing sector; immigration and Mexican-American politics; the rebellion in Chiapas; financial problems; and the interpenetration of Mexican and North American cultures. Requirements: two short papers, and the choice of a research paper or a final exam. No prerequisites. Open to first-year students with advanced placement credit in Comparative Politics. Comparative Politics Subfield

Hour: MAHON