Patrimonialism, Natural Resource Management, and Civil Service in Mexico: Lessons Learnt from the Last 30 Years

Abstract

As the incipient Mexican democracy unfolds, governance and institutional challenges emerge accordingly to attend with efficacy the subjects posted by the unparalleled current environmental crisis. A crucial part is the creation and adaptation of institutions that have as mandate to answer to the complex environmental conjuncture. However, the institutionalization process is still struggling to achieve a strong foundation, particularly the federal government that plays a decisive role in that regard. To better understand the dynamics of public management and policies with respect to environmental conservation and natural resource governance in Mexico, a detailed examination of the public service officers’ trajectories during the last three decades is presented, advancing an original analysis—including an index—to characterize the institutional arrangements and recognize the factors driving it. The results add elements for a reflection on Mexican governance, ideally, to improve the development of environmental institutions and its tangible results.