ABSTRACT
The Mexican revolutionary nationalism which has been a factor in Mexican–American relations was the product of a variety of historical developments. The institutionalization of a revolutionary party following the revolution, and effectively a one–party state until recently, also provided Mexico with the structural basis for a higher degree of consistency in its policies toward the United States than characterized American policy toward Mexico. The existence of several other Mexican ministries with divisions with international relations responsibilities has further complicated the bureaucratic maze. The final analysis the international relations dynamic in the western hemisphere is in transition. The challenge that lies before both nations is to find the most effective institutional mechanisms available to depoliticize trade, investment, migration, narcotics, labor and environmental disputes between the two countries. Mexico’s acceptance of a new economic and political reality represents a departure from the basic orientation of Mexican foreign policy since the revolution.
