The causes of juxtaposition: a theoretical framework for the study municipal and state elections in Mexico

Abstract

This paper discusses some of the possible research strategies to analyze subnational politics. I posit that different methods need to be used in order to capture the macro and micro dimensions of the phenomenon of juxtaposition. Thereafter, I define more precisely what is meant by juxtaposed governments and look at some plausible hypotheses that may explain this phenomenon. I also review several contending theories which may illustrate why some municipalities experience the phenomenon and others don't. Towards the end of this chapter, I posit a model to explain the macro dimension of the phenomenon and look at problems concerning the operationalization of the variables. I also establish some of the plausible alternative explanations to my model (especially at the micro level) and delve into problems of colinearity inherent to this model.