ISSN: 2265-6294

Culture of the Mexican Army1

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Daniel Alejandro Bonfil Penella

Abstract

This scholarship provides a descriptive analysis of the professionalization and culture of the Mexican military, focusing on how two pivotal events—the War of Independence (1810–1821) and the Revolution (1910–1920)—shaped its modern values and traditions. It traces the military’s transformation from a politically interventionist force in the 19th century to a professionalized institution with limited political involvement today, framed within the broader Iberian military tradition (Loveman, 1999). The paper highlights how distinct political and social dynamics influenced the professionalization of Mexico compared to Brazil and Peru, despite their shared heritage. Key reforms, such as the Organic Law of 1926, illustrate the Mexican military’s evolving role in civic duties, disaster relief, and public emergencies, with a deliberate detachment from political affairs. Recent developments, including anti-drug operations and the creation of the National Guard, are examined as part of an ongoing cultural shift. Ultimately, the study underscores the enduring influence of the Iberian military tradition on Latin American military institutions.

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