• Journal of Public Diplomacy
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.70-86
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• 2022

The evolution of public diplomacy from one-way communication to relationship-building efforts and the prioritization of consular affairs inside the ministries of foreign affairs significantly impacted the diplomatic activities of consulates. Mexico's provision of health, educational, and defence schemes to Mexicans in the United States are beyond traditional consular services. These efforts by the government of Mexico showcase that, in its essence, consular diplomacy is also public diplomacy. The essay describes the origins and main features of Mexico's public-consular diplomacy in the U.S.: partnerships, proximity, flexibility, federal issues at the consular level, and high-visibility consular cases. By highlighting these characteristics, the work helps to understand the merge of the two diplomatic tools into public-consular diplomacy. Examining case studies from the Global South can contribute to this growing field of study.