Regime change in Mexico and the transformation of state-diaspora relations

Over the course of last two decades, Mexico’s policies towards its population abroad has moved from a situation characterized by a general lack of interest to being one of the most active state in this field. The recent development of dual national and external voting policies as well as the creation of a dedicated government agency and of a consultative body all epitomize the radical change through which Mexico has gone. In this chapter, I argue that the transformation of Mexico’s attitude towards its emigrants is strongly connected to the evolution of its political regime characterized by a transition towards democracy, a strong desire to take part actively in the global economy and the increasing interest of regional actors in migration issues. Focusing on the issue of external voting, the chapter concludes by discussing the evolution of the power relations between the emigrant community and the Mexican state.