The Success of the Zapatistas MILS671: The Non State Soldier American Military University Martin Scott Catino,

Ph.D.

EXSUM: The Zapatistas were able to succeed in that they created a viable political-military movement that challenged the government of Mexico over a prolonged period of time, the effort gaining international attention and support. Ideological construct, leadership survival, effective media operations (Information Operations), and political organization skills account for some of the reasons this movement succeeded. 1. Ideology. The Zapatistas effectively exploited local cultural narratives (indigenous population) by garnering the images of historical figures such as Zapata and Che and binding these images to the current leadership of Subcomandante Marcos. Additionally, the Zapatistas kept their cause practical, emphasizing issues of land reform and control of local resources, and issues of social justice checking the negative effects of globalization (income inequality, land and resource exploitation, and low wages). Strategic ambiguity likewise had a part in the success of the ideology. The leadership carefully maintained a broad message in order to organize the broadest possible support among anti-government forces. This ambiguity is also evident in the careful use

of violence and associated rhetoric. The Zapatistas avoided propaganda and actions that would be deemed excessive, while using force that was deemed acceptable to the population of supporters. 2. Political organization. Zapatista emphasis on local and civil society organizations effectively decentralized participation and allowed the disfranchised to gain as sense of ownership and authority in the movement. Allowing participation, pride, and activism to remain vibrant in political movements is among the keys to success in such a political cause. Shadow government: The Zapatistas also created an effective shadow government to rival that of Mexicos state apparatus. As of this writing, this shadow government is still active in parts of Chiapas. 3. Leadership survival. The government of Mexico attempted to destroy the movement but failed, an outcome attributed to survival skills of the Zapatistas rather than inefficiency of the government of Mexico. Effective exploitation of terrain, i.e., hiding in the remote mountains, protected the leadership while buying time, among the most precious assets of an insurgency. 4. Media dominance. The Zapatistas masterfully dominated the media and gained international support, drawing in diverse support from the political left. Studies on the social networks tapped by the movement, as well as its exploitation of media and information technology and systems all demonstrate the skills of an effective insurgency. The support of international figures, some very prominent like the use of rock musicians, also helped to spread and legitimized the message of the Zapatistas. 5. Tactical success. The Zapatistas repeatedly evaded government retribution by executing tactical operations that diverted, shielded, or embarrassed the opposition. The early decision to split the main forces, or more accurately, divide them between insurgent forces in Chiapas, and those marching to Mexico city as legitimate protestors, placed the government of Mexico in the difficult position of fighting, in essence, two movements, one popular and non violent, the other insurgent.