There exist different elements that contribute to the idea of the political system as such in the context of the Mexican experience, but also that serve as referents that characterize the recent past. For that reason, we present a scheme of analysis – with political trends that are being built and that differentiate the new Mexican political system compared to that of the 20th century. Based on a model of the political system as the methodology of the analysis, we will track the trends of the changing Mexican politics during the 21st century. The destruction of the institutions of the old political system is associated with a long process of political struggle, which has provided for the creation of new institutions, but in very specific political spaces. The article traces the changes in the political system of Mexico in the 21st century in its various spheres and manifestations: public authority, party system, electoral complex, civil society, the process of democratization. We consider the evolution of the three branches of government and analyze their current balance.

Interview with Vladimir Mikhailovich Davydov, Doctor of Economics, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Director of the Institute of Latin America of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the Institute of Latin America of the Russian Academy of Sciences (1995-2017). Being one of the leading specialists in Latin American studies in Russia, Dr. Davydov is the author of more than 350 research papers. His works made a huge contribution to the study of socio-economic and political processes taking place in Latin America, as well as to the development of Iberoamericanism in Russia.

The interview was conducted by: A.A. Habarta. 

Interview with Anatoliy Nikitovich Borovkov, Doctor of Political Science, Leading Researcher of the Institute of Latin America of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Editor-in-Chief of the Iberoamérica journal. From 1969 to the present date, Dr. Borovkov works at the Institute of Latin America of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He is the author of more than 100 research publications. From 1984 to 1994, he was a representative of the Institute of Latin America and a regional correspondent for the Latin America magazine in Mexico and Central America. Dr. Borovkov is a prominent Russian researcher specializing on Mexico; his research interests include analysis of political parties, electoral legislation processes in Mexico, the socio-economic situation in this country and its relations with the United States.

The interview was conducted by: A.A. Habarta. 

The article attempts to explain the role that Mexico played during World War II (1939-1945). The Mexican armed forces, in particular the 201st air squadron, were directly involved in the hostilities at the end of the armed conflict, which had more of a symbolic significance. Nevertheless, it is necessary to emphasize the contribution of the army of Mexican workers – the Braceros, as well as of the thousands of Mexicans who sacrificed their lives in the uniform of the United States armed forces. In the present review of literature and key historical sources relevant to the topic, the author talks about Mexican heroes, World War II soldiers and considers the armed participation of Mexico in the war in the general context of the national development of this country, which borders with the United States. For Mexico, participation in World War II was an important event in the framework of the Mexican “economic miracle”, the modernization of the national armed complex, and the construction of the new world order (Mexico was one of the founders of the United Nations, taking an active part in the conference of San Francisco).

The article explores the energy industry in Mexico. The authors analyze the shift of energy policy course (after the new president took office in 2019) built upon ensuring energy sovereignty as a central element. The article identifies the main directions of current energy policy as reflected in key strategic documents, including the National Development Plan 2019-2024 and the National Electricity Sector Development Programme 2019-2033. Characteristics of the energy reform in 2013, its background and content, as well as the results are presented, and regulatory framework of energy sector formed during the reform is outlined.

The present article is devoted to the analysis of the effects o the COVID-19 pandemic on Mexico’s international relations and the feasible consequences that may be tracked in the short and medium term of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency. The current president’s rise to power in 2018 meant a paradigm shift in Mexican domestic policy and was perceived by the countries of the region as a possibility for Mexico to resume its multilateral ties with the rest of the Latin American continent. Mexico is immersed in the COVID-19 pandemic after the storm of the migration crisis that unleashed the Central American caravan between 2017 and 2018. Devaluation of Mexican peso and the drop of oil prices are also pre-existing problems that have been undermining development possibilities that Lopez Obrador set forth in his campaign. Despite discouraging forecasts of socioeconomic indicators in the region, the article highlights the possibilities open for Mexico as one of the largest economies on the continent: it may find the way out of the storm, which could become a genesis of modifications towards development. In order to explain Mexican performance in the face of the containment measures of 2020 four axes were chosen: migration; international trade; regional cooperation; foreign policy and Latin American integration. In addressing the aforementioned items, the author conducts an interdisciplinary analysis of the factors that converge harming the economic and social indicators due to the fragility exposed by the global Coronavirus situation. The author also suggests some tools that the country could apply to strengthen its regional positioning.

The article dedicated to the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations establishment between Russia and Mexico casts a light upon the key turning points of their evolution within the context of foreign policy, history and culture of both countries. The author focuses on diplomatic contacts and intercultural communication. Alongside Heads of States’ visits and exchange of diplomatic representatives, he elaborates on Russian literature classics, i.e. Konstantin Balmont, Vladimir Mayakovsky and Joseph Brodsky, visiting Mexico. It is implied in the conclusion that ‘proximity’ of the countries’ cultures, similarity and sometimes even synchronicity of respective historical development cycles give grounds for a mutually beneficial interstate dialogue. 

The author analyzes the history of formation and current state of Turkey-Mexico political and economic relations in the context of Ankara intercontinental relations with the Latin American region. Comparative analysis of the two powers in their geo-economic ‘weight’, international activity, and other aspects is carried out. Evaluation of historical aspect of bilateral relations is specially emphasized. For the first time in Russian Latin American studies the evolution of Turkey-Mexico diplomatic relations in the 20th century is studied in their phases, including political contacts dynamics at the turn of the 20th and 21st century. The author also analyzes current state of countries’ trade and economic relations, as well as their interaction at the international arena.