ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses some theoretical elements of Mexico's present foreign policy. It explores the adaptive process developed during the Carlos Salinas government and its effects on foreign policy. The chapter reviews the responses of the Mexican government during the Miguel de la Madrid administration. At the end of Reagan presidential term, de la Madrid significantly reduced Mexico's role in Central America, and the Contadora Group was practically absorbed by the so-called Group of Eight. Regarding electoral processes, the Salinas administration maintained a very defensive attitude during its first five years. The problems of the Salinas government were not only with the foreign media but also with some international organizations that used to be acquiescent—or at least silent—with respect to Mexican governments. Salinas's reluctance to permit external surveillance of internal political processes and human rights status caused him to have serious differences with international organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS).
