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Neoliberal Reform And Cartel Ascendancy In Rural Mexico: Case Studies Of Michoacán And The Zapatista-Controlled Zones Of Chiapas (2017), Kellen Hunter-La Voy

International Studies Undergraduate Honors Theses

Mexico’s economy began a process of economic liberalization in the 1980s that continued through the 90s, highlighted by the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). These neoliberal policies have contributed to the further marginalization of Mexico’s rural communities by making them dependent on foreign markets and placing their livelihood and wellbeing in the hands of foreign investors who favor deregulation, privatization, proletarian disunity, and low wages. The narcoeconomy represents to many members of these marginalized rural communities an alternative, and often more attainable, model of success. Michoacán has been hit heavily by neoliberal reforms and has concurrently …