Introduction
“The State, the Democracy, and the Law have died: long live necropower! All is on foot. That’s what it’s about. That’s our fate. Here we were destined to die. The rest is silence and shipwreck,” says Enrique Márquez, a historian, poet, and political scientist, as he turns 75 with a collection of six works and an autobiographical addendum published by Bonobos editorial.
Who is Enrique Márquez?
Enrique Márquez is a prominent figure in Mexican intellectual circles, known for his expertise as a historian, poet, and political scientist. His works often blend history, poetry, and political analysis to provide insightful commentary on Mexico’s recent past and present. As a former advisor to Manuel Camacho Solís, the capital’s interim head who later became a peace commissioner in Chiapas during the Zapatista conflict, and as the head of the Executive Directorate for Cultural Diplomacy under Marcelo Ebrard’s tenure as Foreign Minister, Márquez has played a significant role in shaping Mexico’s political landscape.
The Collection: Six Works to Debate Recent History
Márquez’s new collection comprises six works, each offering a unique perspective on Mexico’s recent history. The titles are:
- “Enrique Krauze, Vicente Fox y la cucaracha en la cerveza. México año 2000”
- “Por qué perdió Camacho. 30 años después”
- “Charros. señoritos, bárbaros huastecos y chichimecas chupadores de sangre en el paisaje. San Luis Potosí en la Historia”
- “Breve diccionario para mexicanos furiosos: La miseria política de nuestro tiempo”
- “Apache. Cinco asedios desde la montaña enemiga (1979-2018)”
- “El que soy, los que fui, el que se ha ido. Autobiografía”
“Enrique Krauze, Vicente Fox y la cucaracha en la cerveza. México año 2000”
This work, previously unpublished, delves into the year 2000 and Mexico’s political transition. Márquez, who once believed in the potential for change during this period, now sees it as an unfulfilled opportunity. He critiques Enrique Krauze and Vicente Fox for their roles in the democratic process, noting that while Fox successfully removed the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) from the presidency, he failed to secure a place within it. Márquez laments the downfall of “democracy without adjectives,” which Krauze and others championed.
“Por qué perdió Camacho. 30 años después”
In this title, Márquez reflects on the political career of Manuel Camacho Solís and the events surrounding his time as interim head of Mexico City and later as a peace commissioner in Chiapas. The work offers insights into the complexities of Mexican politics and the challenges faced by those navigating it.
“Charros. señoritos, bárbaros huastecos y chichimecas chupadores de sangre en el paisaje. San Luis Potosí en la Historia”
As a native of San Luis Potosí, Márquez presents a historical narrative focusing on the region’s political landscape. This work encourages readers to look beyond six-year presidential terms and engage in debates about the present.
“Breve diccionario para mexicanos furiosos: La miseria política de nuestro tiempo”
This concise dictionary aims to shed light on the political misery of contemporary Mexico, offering a critical examination of the country’s current state.
“Apache. Cinco asedios desde la montaña enemiga (1979-2018)”
Márquez explores five sieges from an adversary’s perspective over three decades, providing a unique viewpoint on Mexico’s political and social evolution.
“El que soy, los que fui, el que se ha ido. Autobiografía”
In this autobiographical work, Márquez reflects on his life, past roles, and the people who have shaped his journey.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Enrique Márquez? Enrique Márquez is a historian, poet, and political scientist who has contributed significantly to Mexico’s intellectual discourse through his writings and political involvement.
- What is the main theme of Márquez’s collection? The collection encourages readers to move beyond short-term political cycles and engage in debates about the present, using history, poetry, and personal reflections as tools for understanding.
- What is the significance of “democracy without adjectives” in Márquez’s works? This concept, championed by Enrique Krauze and others, is critiqued by Márquez as having ultimately failed to bring about lasting political change in Mexico.
- How does Márquez view the role of poetry in understanding history? Márquez sees poetry as a valuable resource for comprehending history and fostering national self-awareness, especially in times of uncertainty and political upheaval.
