Public Opinion and Foreign Policy: perceptions and preferences of Mexican

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between public opinion and foreign policy for the case of Mexico. The essay seeks to identify the degree of influence that public opinion has in the foreign policy decision making process. The article also examines the perceptions and preferences that the Mexican society and leaders have on key issues of the foreign policy agenda. The central argument is that, in the past, Mexican public opinion had little influence in the foreign policy decision-making process because the population in general had little information and knowledge over international affairs. However, recently the public has more leeway to influence in foreign policy issues due to the domestic changes in the country.