Zapatista Army of National Liberation (Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional, EZLN) refers to a revolutionary leftist group active in Mexico. The Zapatista Army of National Liberation emerged on January 1, 1994, the day when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect. The group takes its name from Emiliano Zapata, a prominent figure in the Mexican Revolution during the early 20th century, who fought for the rights and land redistribution for peasants and indigenous communities.
The Zapatista Army of National Liberation's primary objective is to fight for social justice, democracy, and to defend the rights and autonomy of indigenous communities in Mexico. The group's ideology revolves around the principles of libertarian socialism, anti-capitalism, and indigenous rights, advocating for a horizontal and participatory form of governance.
The EZLN gained international attention through its armed uprising in 1994 in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. This armed rebellion was aimed at opposing the government's neoliberal policies, which disproportionately affected already marginalized indigenous communities. Following the initial uprising, the Zapatistas transitioned towards a non-violent approach, using civil disobedience, peaceful protests, and community-building activities to promote their cause.
The Zapatista Army of National Liberation has inspired various movements and activists globally, focusing attention on the struggles of indigenous communities and the detrimental impacts of globalization and capitalism. Their resistance has symbolized a fight against economic inequality, social injustice, and the erosion of indigenous cultures. The EZLN's struggles have highlighted long-standing issues in Mexico, such as poverty, land rights, indigenous autonomy, and political corruption, and have pushed for a more inclusive and just society.
