Is American politics becoming more like Mexican politics? A conversation with Dwight Wilson
Dr. Dwight Wilson, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of North Georgia, spoke this afternoon at Utica College’s Pizza and Politics on the institutional convergence between the United States and Mexico over time.
The two countries share a European colonial heritage, early independence, and a Republican form of government with a strong presidency. They differ in regards to stability and economic development, prompting the question of why that is.
Wilson presented four reasons, and encouraged people to consider which one is in the “driver’s seat,” and not embrace any one alone as fully responsible.
1) Culture: how people see the world
2) Economics: how wealthy people are
3) Imperialism: foreign interference
4) Institutions: rules people observe
Some Political Scientists prioritize different cultural attitudes for divergent patterns of historical and political development. Others contend increased economic development prompt increased calls for political accountability, curbing abuse of power.
The U.S. frequently interfered in Latin American politics over time, prompting some Political Scientists to conclude that has been the predominant influence on Mexican development. Others point to institutional differences between Mexico and the United States, including constitutional governance, and related informal practices and norms that structure politics over time.
Photo by wikipedia
Wilson’s research has drawn him to the institutional explanation. The U.S. and Mexico have different institutional experiences, in regards to political parties, property rights, and rule of law, which help account for contemporary variances.
Wilson pointed to public opinion studies demonstrating declines in trust of government and dissatisfaction with democracy in both countries. This, coupled with Donald Trump’s ascendance to president from outside of a political party structure, and then remaking the party platform around him individually, echo “alarming” trends present in Latin American politics.
Luke Perry (@PolSciLukePerry) is Professor of Political Science at Utica College and Director of the Utica College Center of Public Affairs and Election Research
