The key dates behind Mexico's decline
From being one of the world's richest economies in 1845 to the violence of the drug trade: two views on the origins of Mexico's decline and its future as a power.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
At what exact moment did Mexico go off track?
From the promise of being one of the world's richest countries in 1845 to the reality of violence and poverty that marked the 20th century, the debate over the origins of Mexico's decline pits two narratives against each other. One points to the wounds of independence and unpaid debts; the other, to the revolution that fractured the state. And while some see a promising future, the data leave uncomfortable questions.
Independence and debt: the first stumble
After 1821, Mexico inherited a colossal debt with European banks. Despite being one of the most prosperous economies in 1845, its refusal to pay triggered the French intervention in 1862. The country promised to settle the debt, but stability never fully arrived.
From the Porfiriato to the revolution: the turning point
For some analysts, the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) was the real disaster. A mix of nascent communism and the absence of a central state that, decades later, would pave the way for the cartels. The 1970s marked the start of the drug trafficking era, with a brutal rise in violence and poverty.
Recovery or mirage?
Against the pessimism, some argue that Mexico maintains robust and stable economic growth and is destined to become the world's tenth-largest power by 2060. The projections clash with the skepticism of those who remember similar promises made for Brazil. The only certainty is that the debate over Mexico's decline remains as open as the country's horizon.
From the promise of being one of the world's richest countries in 1845 to the reality of violence and poverty that marked the 20th century, the debate over the origins of Mexico's decline pits two narratives against each other. One points to the wounds of independence and unpaid debts; the other, to the revolution that fractured the state. And while some see a promising future, the data leave uncomfortable questions.
Independence and debt: the first stumble
After 1821, Mexico inherited a colossal debt with European banks. Despite being one of the most prosperous economies in 1845, its refusal to pay triggered the French intervention in 1862. The country promised to settle the debt, but stability never fully arrived.
From the Porfiriato to the revolution: the turning point
For some analysts, the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) was the real disaster. A mix of nascent communism and the absence of a central state that, decades later, would pave the way for the cartels. The 1970s marked the start of the drug trafficking era, with a brutal rise in violence and poverty.
Recovery or mirage?
Against the pessimism, some argue that Mexico maintains robust and stable economic growth and is destined to become the world's tenth-largest power by 2060. The projections clash with the skepticism of those who remember similar promises made for Brazil. The only certainty is that the debate over Mexico's decline remains as open as the country's horizon.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (19 replies).
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