Russian Disinformation in Mexico
Diego Martín Velázquez Caballero
Critical voices such as Dolia Estévez, Beata Wojna, Denise Dresser, and now Leo Zuckerman, are warning about the increasingly constant presence of Russian disinformation strategies in Mexico.
The journalistic analysis of these figures reveals a web of geopolitical interests and ambiguous alliances between Mexico, Russia, and the United States, demonstrating a strategic collaboration tinged with disinformation and polarization similar to the communication environments of World Wars I and II.
In a context where Mexico seeks to diversify its international relations to assert its sovereignty, the relationship with Russia is presented as a means to counteract U.S. influence, promoting a multipolar order.
Both Mexico and Russia seem to be taking advantage of this interaction to challenge Western hegemony; Mexico, it appears, is seeking a counterweight to the United States, while Russia is attempting to expand its influence in a key region, undermining Washington's traditional control.
In the Mexican case, the close relationship with Russia is framed within an anti-imperialist stance and a rejection of US influence, in line with discourses that criticize neoliberalism and globalist democracy.
The Russian narrative of competitive authoritarianism is attractive to sectors of the Fourth Transformation, who see in its model a resistance to the excesses of neoliberalism and an inspiration for national transformation, even if this implies supporting a contradictory form of capitalism.
Russia, for its part, uses Mexico as a stage to expand its influence, promoting disinformation and anti-Americanism through propaganda outlets and figures, with the aim of reducing US hegemony and strengthening a multipolar world.
However, there is also an understanding between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin regarding the issue of Ukraine, which creates a conflict of interest that could be detrimental to Mexico if Putin's administration decides to support Trump's political needs.
Russia and the United States are two empires that have more in common with each other than with Mexicans.
This pro-Russian collaboration, however, masks profound contradictions.
The proximity to authoritarian models and the perception of Putin as a strong leader who limits oligarchic power contrasts sharply with the democratic values that the Mexican left traditionally defends.
Furthermore, the adoption of populist rhetoric and the disdain for science and intelligence reinforce an anti-establishment narrative that may facilitate Russian influence, but also compromises the country's legitimacy and democratic principles.
The presence of media outlets and figures linked to Russia, considered spies or propagandists, reveals a risk of interference and manipulation that could distort Mexican reality.
Ultimately, collaboration with Russia benefits both countries in their struggle against U.S. influence, but at a high cost for Mexico.
Relations with foreign powers, especially authoritarian regimes, can divert the country from its democratic path and strengthen anti-institutional and conservative tendencies.
The lack of counterintelligence capabilities and the political will to maintain ambiguous relationships leave Mexico vulnerable to external influences and potential manipulation.
In this scenario, the country becomes a territory where foreign interests operate opaquely, jeopardizing its sovereignty and its project of social and political transformation.
