Similarities between Claudia Sheinbaum and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern suggest Mexico’s first female president could have a big impact on the world stage, Prof Robert Patman says.
Speaking on Global Insight, the University of Otago international relations specialist compares Sheinbaum to the high-profile Ardern and says the election of the first female president of Mexico in its 200-year history is important domestically and globally.
‘‘I think it's of huge significance. This is a clear break from the past for Mexico,’’ Prof Patman says.
‘‘She has the potential to be a significant international leader.’’
‘‘Jacinda Ardern broke a few glass ceilings in this country, and I think it's fair to say that Sheinbaum [does the same], and even more so, in Mexico.’’
Mexico and New Zealand take a similar multilateral approach to foreign affairs. That approach might be strengthened by Sheinbaum, Prof Patman says.
‘‘With Claudia Sheinbaum as president, we may actually see a a relatively young international leader who is going to add considerable impetus to multilateralism at a time when it's been under strain and when we've seen the the growth of great power rivalry and unilateralism internationally.
‘‘So, it could make quite a big difference to geopolitics in the world.’’
On this episode of Global Insight, Prof Patman also details Sheinbaum’s background, reacts to the suggestion the 61-year-old might be a puppet of the outgoing president Lopez Obrador, outlines the tensions between Mexico and the United States and discusses Mexico’s struggle to contain violence and corruption.
