The Influence of the Historical-Colonial Narrative on Trade Relations and Diplomacy Between Mexico and Spain (2015–2024)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53897/RevCommerP.2025.07.08

Keywords:

historical-colonial narrative, Mexico-Spain trade relations.

Abstract

This research analyzes the political tensions in the Mexico-Spain bilateral relationship, which, rooted in a deep historical and social fabric, were accentuated by antagonistic discourse during the 2018–2024 administration. The main objective of the study is to assess the influence of this historical-cultural narrative as a diplomatic and commercial variable, with respect to stability and economic growth during that period. Theoretically, the research is based on an approach that conceives the historical-social context not as a mere background, but as an active diplomatic agent, possessing agency and, therefore, influencing the bilateral relationship. To achieve this, a mixed methodology is employed, combining a qualitative review of concepts with a quantitative and comparative analysis of trade and investment data during the administrations of Enrique Peña Nieto (EPN) and Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). Through Grubel-Lloyd analysis, the results indicate that the relationship was integrated into key sectors, demonstrating that, despite political differences, the economic dimension remains fundamentally relevant for both countries. Among the most significant findings, the analysis shows that, contrary to the initial hypothesis, the economic relationship not only demonstrated remarkable resilience but also strengthened.

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Author Biographies

Blanca Saenz Reyes, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Mexico

Blanca Sáenz Reyes (Pachuca de Soto, Hidalgo; 2001) is a graduate of the Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Trade from the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo. Her academic interests focus on the study and development of foreign trade, with an emphasis on business internationalization and the opening of new markets. She has participated in training activities related to her field of study, strengthening her professional profile in the area of international business. Among her professional goals is to pursue postgraduate studies through a master’s degree in commerce abroad, aiming to expand her knowledge and contribute to both the academic and professional fields of international trade.

Mario Cruz Cruz, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Mexico

Dr. Mario Cruz Cruz holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the Escuela Superior de Economía of the Instituto Politecnico Nacional (IPN), a Master's degree in International Relations Studies from the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences of the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), and a Ph.D. in Political and Social Sciences with a focus on International Relations from UNAM. He is a Full-Time Professor in the Foreign Trade Educational Program at the Instituto de Ciencias Económico Administrativas (ICEA) of UAEH and an Honorary Professor in the Bachelor's Degree in Citizen Security at the Universidad de Guadalajara (UDG). 

He is currently a member of the National System of Researchers (SNI-C), has received the Recognition for Full-Time Professors with a Desirable Profile from the Faculty Improvement Program (PROMEP), and is the Leader of the Foreign Trade Research Group at ICEA. Additionally, Dr. Cruz has published several national and international articles in his research areas: Geopolitics of Foreign Trade, Security, Illicit Markets, and Transnational Organized Crime. Recently (2015), he coordinated the edition of the book “The Market as a Mechanism of Territorial Reconfiguration: Geopolitical Approaches in Foreign Trade”, published by UAEH.

Yolanda Sanchez Torres, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Mexico

She holds a Ph.D. in Sciences from the Colegio de Posgraduados Campus Montecillos, a Master's degree in Rural Development Sciences from the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, and a Bachelor's degree in Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa Campus. She is a Level 1 member of the National System of Researchers (SNI) of CONACYT and has held the PRODEP Desirable Profile recognition since 2011.

Her research areas include: Geopolitics of Foreign Trade, Management, Strategies, and Implementation of International Trade and Business, Regional Development, and Public Policy. She is the author of 45 peer-reviewed and indexed journal articles, 2 books, coordinator of 2 books, and contributor of 12 book chapters. She has participated as a speaker and presenter at national and international conferences.

She has over 20 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels and has served as a thesis advisor at all these levels. Currently, she is part of the Consolidated Academic Group on International Trade Studies. Since 2013, she has been a Full-Time Professor-Researcher in the Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Trade at the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo and, since 2016, in the Doctorate in Economic-Administrative Sciences under the National Program for Quality Graduate Education (PNPC). She is also the Coordinator of the Master's Program in International Trade.

Lizet Manzo Martínez, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Mexico

She holds a Ph.D. in International Business from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH). She is a Professor-Researcher at the Institute of Economic and Administrative Research (ICEA) of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo (UAEH). Her research interests include competitive advantage, supply chain management, organizational competitiveness, and international strategy.

Her methodological expertise is based on data analysis using econometric models and the so-called “forgotten effects” methodology. During her doctoral studies, she conducted a research stay at the Universidad de Barcelona in Spain and has collaborated academically with institutions such as the Universidad Católica Salta de Argentina y la Universidad de Investigación y Desarrollo de Colombia. She currently coordinates the Bachelor’s program in Foreign Trade at ICEA.

References

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Published

2025-12-19

How to Cite

Saenz Reyes, B., Cruz Cruz, M., Sanchez Torres, Y., & Manzo Martínez, L. (2025). The Influence of the Historical-Colonial Narrative on Trade Relations and Diplomacy Between Mexico and Spain (2015–2024). Commercium Plus, 7, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.53897/RevCommerP.2025.07.08

Issue

Vol. 7 (2025): COMMERCIUM PLUS

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Artículos

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