Mexico's "democratic transition" has created a competitive electoral system and a formally plural state. Besides, a peculiar wave of insurgency, started in 1994, has challenged the alleged moderating effect of democratic transition. This book argues that socioeconomic inequality is the main factor behind this combination of democratic and undemocratic trends.

Mexico's "democratic transition" has created a competitive electoral system and a formally plural state. But authoritarian practices have shown their capacity to thrive in this competitive context. Besides, a peculiar wave of insurgency, started in 1994, has challenged the alleged moderating effect of democratic transition. At the same time, the illegal drug business became larger and probably increased its political influence, undermining the rule of law and democratic accountability. This book argues that socioeconomic inequality is the main factor behind this combination of democratic and undemocratic trends. Inequality has corrupting effects upon democratization; conversely, the apparently democratic system tends to legitimate economic inequality and thereby contributes to reproducing it. Thus, a far-reaching redistribution of socioeconomic power is indispensable for breaking the vicious circle created by inequality and authoritarianism.