The Origin of Crony Capitalism in Modern Mexico and its Current Impact on Foreign Direct Investment

Abstract

This paper analyses to what extent crony capitalism (CC) affects international business activities. By using the case of Canadian companies investing in mining in Mexico, I explain in which ways CC impacts foreign direct investment. My argument is that CC does not imply negative consequences for international business activities if other variables are controlled at the domestic level. CC could even generate positive incentives to foreign investors, deepening corruption problems internally. This type of corruption does not elevate the risk perceived by foreign investors if the process of doing business in Mexico is under the control of domestic power groups.