The Political Economy of Transnational Power and Production: Mexico's Metamorphosis 1982-2022

This book explores how and why Mexico's socioeconomic structure was transformed through plutocratic preferences, US corporate strategies, and ideology, leading to transnational processes of neoliberalization. It examines the causes and consequences of the creation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the impacts of the new transnational structure on labor, and the opposing reality imposed by NAFTA and the US-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement on both the US and Mexican working classes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Political Economy of Transnational Power and Production: Mexico's Metamorphosis 1982-2022

Mexico's socioeconomic structure has undergone a profound transformation over the past four decades, driven by a complex interplay of plutocratic preferences, US corporate strategies, and ideology. This comprehensive and meticulously documented publication delves into the intricate processes that have shaped Mexico's metamorphosis, examining the factors that have contributed to this remarkable shift.

The creation of a new regional power bloc, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), has played a central role in this transformation. The book explores the causes and consequences of NAFTA, examining how it has impacted Mexico's economy, labor market, and political landscape. It sheds light on the asymmetric Mexico-US production system, documenting the ways in which Mexico has become a strategic source of US imports while facing challenges in terms of job security and wages.

The impacts of the new transnational structure on both sides of the border are of paramount importance. The book provides an explicit and accessible account of the powerful forces that have opened access to and profited from millions of low-wage workers, enabling Mexico to become a crucial source of US imports. However, this transformation has not come without its consequences. The book documents the opposing reality imposed by NAFTA and the US-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement on both the US and Mexican working classes. US economists had predicted a dramatic narrowing of the income gap, with the US benefiting and Mexico benefiting even more.

However, the reality has been quite different. The income gap has widened for three decades, causing devastation for workers and debilitating Mexico's national industrial base. The book highlights the struggles of Mexican workers, who have faced job losses, reduced wages, and limited access to social services as a result of the trade agreements. It also sheds light on the political implications of these agreements, with the Mexican government facing pressure to prioritize the interests of multinational corporations over the needs of its citizens.

The Political Economy of Transnational Power and Production: Mexico's Metamorphosis 1982-2022 is a valuable resource for specialists, researchers, and general readers interested in understanding the complex dynamics of Mexico's economic and political development. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that have shaped Mexico's metamorphosis, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that Mexico faces in the years to come.

In conclusion, Mexico's socioeconomic structure has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past four decades, driven by a combination of plutocratic preferences, US corporate strategies, and ideology. The creation of NAFTA has played a central role in this transformation, but it has not come without its consequences. The book documents the opposing reality imposed by NAFTA and the US-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement on both the US and Mexican working classes, highlighting the struggles of Mexican workers and the political implications of these agreements. It is a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the complex dynamics of Mexico's economic and political development.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032309170