An Overview of Mexico’s Autonomous Agencies Constellation

Abstract

On studying autonomy, agencies are often portrayed as apolitical bodies led by technocratic personnel who promote efficient economic performance. Nevertheless, this formalistic approach leaves out important elements of the analysis. Drawing conclusions about different levels of autonomy using a formal-legal approach could prove a futile task because it does not take into account the potential discretion it may have in decisions concerning aspects of policy (such as the choice of policy outcome and policy output). Furthermore, as the setting up of these instructions occurs concurrently with economic and political transformation, the process may trigger political incentives for actors affected by these processes.¹