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: Paperback / softback
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 underwent a profound transformation from 1982 to 2022, driven by a complex interplay of plutocratic preferences, US corporate strategies, and ideology. This comprehensive and meticulously documented publication delves into the critical four decades of this metamorphosis, shedding light on the underlying causes and consequences of the emergence of a new regional power bloc, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The book offers valuable demystifications, chronicling the asymmetric Mexico-US production system and its impact on both sides of the border. It explores the profound implications of the new transnational structure for labor, highlighting the challenges and opportunities it presents. Specialists and general readers alike will find an accessible account of the powerful forces that have opened access to and profited from millions of low-wage workers, enabling Mexico to become a strategic source of US imports.

Mainstream economists and major policy makers often portray NAFTA and the US-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement as a win-win triumph of free trade theory. However, this book documents the opposing reality imposed 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. Yet, for three decades, the gap widened, causing devastation for workers and debilitating Mexico's national industrial base.

The transformation of Mexico's socioeconomic structure has had far-reaching consequences, both within Mexico and on a global scale. It has led to increased inequality, reduced social mobility, and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. It has also contributed to the outsourcing of jobs to low-wage countries, leading to job losses and economic instability in Mexico.

The book highlights the need for a more equitable and sustainable economic model that prioritizes the well-being of all workers, regardless of their nationality or location. It calls for policies that promote job creation, investment in education and infrastructure, and the protection of workers' rights and labor standards.

In conclusion, The Political Economy of Transnational Power and Production: Mexico's Metamorphosis 1982-2022 provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the complex forces that have shaped Mexico's socioeconomic landscape over the past four decades. It sheds light on the causes and consequences of the creation of NAFTA, the new transnational structure for labor, and the devastating impact it has had on both the US and Mexican working classes. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of global power and production.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032309187