Mexico left the Rio Treaty in 2020 primarily due to concerns regarding the implications of the changing political landscape in the region and dissatisfaction with the treaty’s application.
Initially established during the Cold War era, the Rio Treaty (Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance) aimed to create a framework for collective defense among member states in the Americas. However, as political dynamics in the hemisphere shifted, Mexico felt that the treaty was increasingly being used to justify interventions and influence by more powerful nations, particularly the United States.
Additionally, Mexico’s decision came after increasing discontent over how the treaty was utilized in situations that did not align with its national interests. The country sought to assert its sovereignty and redefine its foreign policy without the constraints of a military alliance that it felt was outdated and no longer served its best interests.
This departure signals a broader desire for Mexico to pursue a more independent foreign policy while also fostering relationships with other countries based on mutual respect and non-intervention.