Climate Change Policy and Energy Reform: An Assessment of Mexico's Foreign Policy

This article aims to provide insight about the relationship between climate change policy and foreign policy. With Mexico as case study and through the examination of literature on foreign policy analysis, the author suggests that the search for a better performance in the energy sector could undermine previously made climate change actions and commitments, thus modifying foreign policy. This situation is assessed for two presidential terms. The previous administration was eager to locate and promote Mexico as a front-runner in climate change actions, developing national policies aimed at reducing emissions from pollution sources and actively participating at the international fora. On the other hand, the current government has followed a different approach. Now that the energy sector has been reformed, a potential increase in oil production can be expected, regardless of the promotion of renewable energy. Such an ambivalent attitude may send confusing signals to the international community about Mexico's role and position with respect to climate change, even though this modification is acknowledged as a result of a change in government.