MORENA Seeks International Alliances to Counter Trump’s Policies

MORENA aims to reactivate international forums and organizations in Europe and Latin America to build alliances against US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and mass deportation policies. However, experts in international relations remain divided on whether this diplomatic strategy will yield tangible benefits for Mexico.

Ricardo Monreal Ávila, Congressional Leader, MORENA, argued that forming an international bloc could help mitigate the economic and political fallout of Trump’s policies. He also mentioned the possibility of convening emergency sessions of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) and the Central American Parliament (Parlacen) at Mexico’s request. “Our goal is to make our opposition clear and stand in solidarity with those facing persecution and human rights violations. In the coming days, we will meet with our counterparts to coordinate our response,” Monreal stated.

Claudia Serrano, Latin American Studies Scholar, UNAM, said MORENA’s strategy could enhance Mexico’s diplomatic influence, particularly in advocating for human rights. “The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is now positioned as a platform for restoring regional foreign policy coordination and strengthening alliances among governments, which could serve as a counterbalance to US measures.” She also highlighted the need for economic diversification, suggesting that forums like CELAC and the G20 could also provide opportunities for investment coordination and global trade development.

However, there were also critics of this approach. Rubén Moreira, Leader, PRI Deputies, stated that MORENA’s approach is ineffective, arguing that the country has distanced itself from the international community. “Mexico is in a weak position because it neglected security policies, failed to strengthen the rule of law, and abandoned a coherent migration strategy,” he argued.

Irán Moreno, Expert, Progressive Economic, Political, and Social Studies Foundation (FEPES), also agreed that it may not be the best solution, suggesting that Mexico should rely on established mechanisms such as USMCA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) for trade disputes, rather than informal lobbying.  “Mexico has clear avenues for recourse, such as filing complaints with the WTO, just as China has done, or utilizing the dispute resolution procedures outlined in USMCA, but only after tariffs are officially imposed. Lobbying outside these legal frameworks will not yield concrete results,” Moreno explained.

Moreno further noted that the scope of negotiations will depend on the incoming US demands and Mexico’s willingness to make concessions. “In the coming months, the US may request additional National Guard deployments, impose visa requirements on certain Latin American countries, or push for renewed security and intelligence cooperation. Mexico’s response will determine how the tariff issue unfolds,” he concluded.

Trump’s Tarriffs on Mexico

Trump’s proposed tariffs included a 25% duty on general imports from Mexico, but this was suspended for one month. The delay was secured through renewed negotiations between Mexico and the United States, where Mexico agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to bolster border security and combat drug trafficking.

Both governments also agreed to establish a working group to focus on security and trade issues. Mexico will be represented by Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, while the United States will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. Ebrard shared that a meeting might take place next week once Howard Lutnick is confirmed. "Let us be clear, there are no guarantees. What we have is an opportunity, and we intend to make the most of it," said Ebrard.