Transnational Influences in a Protracted Democratization: The Case of Mexico

this article seeks to explain the extent to which transnational forces are responsible for advances -and setbacks- in the ongoing transition to democracy in mexico. it argues that external elements did play a role during this democratization. concrete examples of transnational forces are analyzed to assess their impact on domestic politics, including the relationship between economic reform and political liberalization -two free trade agreements are analyzed- and the mexican government's attitudes toward democracy within the inter-american system. the article concludes that transnational elements play a significant role as instruments offering opportunities and posing limits to democratization.