the paradoxes of democracy: dominant party, government and political networks in mexico city

Based on a theoretical-methodological approach which served as the groundwork for an empirical study carried out from 2009 to 2012 in Mexico City, this article ad­dresses the underlying political processes that sustain the power of the Partido de la Revolución Democrática (prd). These political methods —which we define as the breeding grounds of domination— are broken down into: a) citizen representation and participation, b) government practice and, c) political networks. Collaterally, we also discuss another area: the partisan dimension. Without denying the progress made in civil and human rights, social protection, and aid of the least fortunate sectors, among others, this essay explores the techniques of consolidating interest groups that exist within the party (factions) and the methods utilized by the prd in order to ensure its staying power within the political-territorial spaces of the city.