International Cooperation, Foreign Policy and Emerging Countries: The Case of Mexico

Abstract

Mexico, like other emerging countries, aims to implement an active foreign policy where international cooperation for development (IDC) conferred to significant geostrategic countries has been a constant activity. Beyond that, since 2011 Mexico is undergoing a process in order to improve better IDC institutionalization. This is based on the fact that the mere concentration of international cooperation in geostrategic regions and countries is insufficient, if the main purpose is to create a comprehensive state policy in this regard. This paper aims to identify if the Mexican IDC is consistent with respect to the guidelines established by geostrategic criteria stipulated in its foreign policy guidelines, as well as to review the status of the current conformation process to establish a state policy in the field. It is argued that while the Mexican IDC is indeed consistent with the guidelines of its foreign policy in the sense to give priority to Central, South America and the Caribbean, it is imperative to fulfill the content of the IDC Act.