First World Dreams: Mexico since 1989

by Alexander S. Dawson

Mexicans have long dreamt of the First World, and in recent times it has landed with a thud. Under the guise of globalization, Mexico opened its borders, reformed its political system, and transformed its economy. The impacts have been paradoxical.

In First World Dreams Alexander Dawson explores the contradictions and challenges which Mexico has experienced in embracing the market so wholeheartedly. A vibrant civil society is marred by human rights abuses and violent rebellion. Market reforms have produced a stable economy, economic growth and great fortunes, while devastating much of the countryside and crippling domestic producers. Mexico is today one of the world's largest exporting nations, yet has a perpetually negative trade balance. It is in a constant state of becoming a democracy, a nation where human rights are respected, a modern industrial nation, and a more violent, fragmented place where the chasms of wealth and poverty threaten to undo the dreams of modernity.

Genres: History

200 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2006

About the author

A specialist in the history of Latin America, Alexander Dawson is associate professor of history at SUNY Albany.

Reviews

[Micah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be an excellent overview of Mexico's history since the traumatic events of 1968. Having lived and traveled in Mexico on-and-off for a number of years, reading this book helped me put the pieces together from all of the things I had heard and read about Mexican public life. I felt like I had a clearer picture of where Mexico was coming from as a nation, and where they might be headed.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has a serious interest in Mexico from a social, political and economic perspective.