Latin American Integration: A Mexican Perspective

Abstract

Since Mexico’s independence, the ideals of Latin American solidarity, cultural identity and economic integration have been advocated by influential groups of Mexican intellectuals, political leaders and government officials. This assumed calling to brotherhood with other Latin American peoples has nurtured deeply rooted sentiments and convictions in the Mexican political discourse and national ideals. While the newly formed South American countries entered into a state of rivalry and confrontation as soon as they gained independence due to their geographical proximity, the Mexican government focused on establishing multilateral agreements of military cooperation, political dialog and economic exchange with the ‘sister republics’ of the continent. In the context of these initiatives, significant contributions to Latin American integrationist thought were expressed.