Resumo

ROMERO LEAL, Enrique. Transnational Influences in a Protracted Democratization: The Case of Mexico. Norteamérica [online]. 2010, vol.5, n.2, pp.15-43. ISSN 2448-7228.

This article seeks to explain the extent to which transnational forces are responsible for advances -and setbacks- in the ongoing transition to democracy in Mexico. It argues that external elements did play a role during this democratization. Concrete examples of transnational forces are analyzed to assess their impact on domestic politics, including the relationship between economic reform and political liberalization -two free trade agreements are analyzed- and the Mexican government's attitudes toward democracy within the Inter-American system. The article concludes that transnational elements play a significant role as instruments offering opportunities and posing limits to democratization.

Palavras-chave : transnational forces; transition; influences; democracy; NAFTA; Mexico-European Union Free Trade Agreement.