Adapting Shadows: The Mexican Intelligence Services from One party system to a Multiparty Democracy

A single party ruled Mexico for over 70 years, despite having a constitution and a revolution to implement it. The role of the intelligence services in the democratization process of Mexico is largely ignored and lacks academic resources. How were the intelligence services in Mexico formed? How were they affected by the democratization of Mexico? What role did the Mexican intelligence services play in the democratic transition? How is intelligence understood in the Mexican context? What are the challenges that the services have and is facing? This thesis seeks to answer these questions by using qualitative methodology. The concepts of National Security, Intelligence and Federalism are used to analyze the sources consulted Keywords search in academic databases was conducted in order to recomplicate the available sources. An interview with a former operative was also conducted, in order to fill the gaps in the available knowledge compendium and to give a professional opinion on...Show moreA single party ruled Mexico for over 70 years, despite having a constitution and a revolution to implement it. The role of the intelligence services in the democratization process of Mexico is largely ignored and lacks academic resources. How were the intelligence services in Mexico formed? How were they affected by the democratization of Mexico? What role did the Mexican intelligence services play in the democratic transition? How is intelligence understood in the Mexican context? What are the challenges that the services have and is facing? This thesis seeks to answer these questions by using qualitative methodology. The concepts of National Security, Intelligence and Federalism are used to analyze the sources consulted Keywords search in academic databases was conducted in order to recomplicate the available sources. An interview with a former operative was also conducted, in order to fill the gaps in the available knowledge compendium and to give a professional opinion on several matters pertaining the role of the services throughout history. The lack of professionalization, a clear legal mandate, and a cohesive intelligence community have been important factors that have affected the Mexican intelligence services throughout its history.Show less

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Adapting Shadows: The Mexican Intelligence Services from One party system to a Multiparty Democracy