Introduction
Claudia Sheinbaum, the current head of Mexico’s government, has inherited a soberanist discourse from her predecessor Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and the vocabulary favored by the old PRI. This discourse has turned into a “prison of words” for Sheinbaum, forcing her to blatantly lie in recent days. The reality is that this soberanist approach is not only unsustainable but has compelled Sheinbaum to lie outright.
Historical Context
AMLO revived the old PRI soberanist discourse, applying it to the operation of U.S. agents on Mexican territory. He managed to explicitly prohibit such activities in the Constitution. However, this move irked U.S. authorities, and combined with the “hugs not bullets” policy, it led to AMLO being perceived as a protector of organized crime.
Sheinbaum’s Dilemma
Sheinbaum faces a more challenging scenario with Trump, especially after the Venezuela situation and Maduro’s capture. Trump presents two options: joint operations with U.S.-defined objectives and the presence of U.S. agents, or unilateral operations without considering Mexican authorities. Essentially, a bad choice and an even worse one. Despite Sheinbaum’s calls and attempts to create a spectacle, there seems to be no alternative.
Global Soberanía and Autonomía
The concept of soberanía and autonomía implies a country’s ability to make decisions without considering much beyond its interests. However, in today’s world, this is hardly the case. Even powerful nations like the U.S., China, and Russia consider others when making decisions, differing mainly in their political and economic space and the support of their populations.
Examples of Sheinbaum’s Struggle
Example 1: Ryan Wedding Case
Sheinbaum claimed that Canadian Ryan Wedding had turned himself in at the U.S. embassy, presenting a manipulated photo as proof. However, the FBI director, during a surprise visit to Mexico, stated that Wedding was captured and taken directly to Washington without any legal proceedings. The Mexican government’s lie is unsustainable.
Example 2: Trump’s Peace Forum Invitation
Trump invited all countries to join his imperial Peace Forum. Nations like Afghanistan, Hungary, Argentina, and Israel quickly accepted. If Mexico were genuinely soberanist, it would have declined due to the evident sabotage of the UN and subordination to the U.S. Instead, Sheinbaum only said she would think about it and provide an answer later, without mentioning the Senate as the policymaker for foreign affairs.
Example 3: Oil Exports to Cuba
Sheinbaum announced continued oil shipments to Cuba for “humanitarian reasons.” Days later, Trump announced tariffs on countries sending products to Cuba, revealing his intent to pressure the island nation.
Conclusion
Trump’s actions infringe upon Mexico’s soberanía, but lying to preserve “image” does not strengthen the Mexican presidency; it only makes it more pitiful. The three examples demonstrate Sheinbaum’s struggle to project soberanía while being subordinate.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the soberanist discourse that Sheinbaum has inherited? A: It is a discourse favored by AMLO and the old PRI, emphasizing national sovereignty and autonomy, which has turned into a “prison of words” for Sheinbaum, forcing her to lie.
- Q: How has Trump’s presidency affected Mexico’s soberanía? A: Trump’s actions, such as presenting two unfavorable options regarding joint operations and tariffs on Cuba, have infringed upon Mexico’s soberanía.
- Q: Why do lies to maintain image weaken the Mexican presidency? A: Lying to preserve image does not strengthen the presidency; instead, it makes it appear more pitiful.
