Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 06/2010

Building a Global Presence: Institutional Challenges in Strengthening Mexico's Role in International Cooperation

Luz María de la Mora Sánchez

March 2010

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Abstract

During the 1990s, Mexico took divergent paths in developing its role as an international presence. In the area of economic integration and market liberalization, Mexico became a pioneer of institutional development among emerging markets and an example to the developing world. At the same time, Mexico failed to institutionalize its international cooperation agenda. This paper advocates the passage of an international cooperation law that will provide Mexico with the legal, administrative and financial tools to act more strategically. It also offers operational recommendations for how Mexico can overcome existing obstacles to its cooperation agenda.