REFLECTIONS ON THE STATE IN MODERN MEXICO

Abstract

This paper takes up a discussion on the state in thecontext of so-called Mexico. It starts by exploring the state’s peculiar existence, both in its constant struggle to unify and define itself as so-mething which truly is, and also in its simultaneous concrete yet abs-tract presence. These two characteristics help us understand the histo-rical development of the state in modern Mexico, and the complexity of pinning down state power. Next, the paper turns to the state’s hostile relationship to self-organization, in order to think of the state as a par-ticular form of social organization grounded in relations of domination, and opposed to the self-organization of the people. Lastly, this paper offers some thoughts on recent developments in Mexico, which show the state’s continuing quest to smash or regulate self-organization into non-existence, and thus (re)produce the state and its power