The Zapatistas : redefining democracy

Abstract

Abstract By subscribing to the "New World order" , Mexico embarked on a path which would change the destiny of Mexican citizens for ever. On the one hand, neoliberalism with its emphasis on free markets and free trade accelerated the deterioration of life and increased inequality among Mexican citizens, fueling social movements that had been going on for decades before. On the other hand the emergence of a liberal democracy, with its rhetorical emphasis on human rights protection, democratization,and good governance opened a window of opportunity for these newly invigorated social movements that have been oppressed in Mexico through militarization an an authoritarian regime. A now more image conscious Mexican government is concerned about its ability to attract foreign capital to pay back its external debt . As it stands, the road is open for genuine democratization in Mexico, however the path is not going to be through artificially imposed representation structures and free markets. This is not a viable system for the future of Mexico or its indigenous citizens. The Zapatistas self-governance practices can teach important lessons about democracy, and alternatives to a failing liberal democracy model.