The Meaning and Scope of the Struggle for Autonomy

Abstract

The 1994 Chiapas uprising brought the issue of autonomy to the center of Mexico's political debate. It is still there, but the discussion, often focused on autonomy as a demand of, by, and for Indian communities, generates more confusion and confrontation than clarity and consensus. In this essay, I argue that autonomy is the focal point for a new semantic constellation for social change: a tradition of resistance has been transformed into a project for liberation. Furthermore, I argue that autonomy could potentially end the historical conflict that has divided Mexicans since the nation's birth and create an alternative to globalization.