Zapatista Revolutionary Army

The Zapatista Revolutionary Army, known as the Zapatistas, is a leftist militant group based in Chiapas, Mexico. Formed in 1994, they emerged during a time of economic hardship and social inequality, advocating for indigenous rights and land reform. They gained international attention after a brief armed uprising on January 1, 1994, coinciding with the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The Zapatistas emphasize grassroots democracy, autonomy for indigenous communities, and opposition to neoliberal policies. Their leader, Subcomandante Marcos, became a prominent figure, symbolizing resistance against globalization and state oppression.