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Case Study
Mexico and the Chiapas Problem
 
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A New Opportunity?

Relations between the EZLN and the Mexican government floundered throughout the 1990’s. Promises were made and negotiations proposed, military actions were initiated and delayed, but a resolution of the situation in Chiapas was never achieved. However, the election of President Vincente Fox in 2000 presented the possibility of change. Unlike his predecessors, Fox demonstrated a concern for the plight of the Mayan Indians as well as a desire to bring the conflict to an end. In addition, Fox’s affiliation with the National Action Party, rather than the Institutional Revolutionary Party, provided him with more credibility in the eyes of Marcos than the previous string of presidents.

Still there were those who opposed any sort of negotiation between the Mexican government and the Zapatistas. These critics were dubious of the message that would be sent and the precedent that would be established with a deal. There are numerous other groups throughout Mexico in situations similar to the Mayan Indians. If Mexico is seen as capitulating to the EZLN, it encourages other groups to engage in their own insurrections, which will ultimately be rewarded by the Mexican government. The counterargument is that an accord with the Zapatistas would send a very positive message: there is a place at Mexico’s table for everyone. Those who demonstrate a willingness to negotiate, to reason, will be rewarded.

If you were an adviser to President Fox, how would you recommend that the situation in Chiapas be resolved?
 
 
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