The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) came into being in the early 1980s amidst growing discontent among indigenous communities in Mexico, particularly in the southern state of Chiapas. Founded by a group of activists that included Subcomandante Marcos, the EZLN aimed to address systemic inequalities and injustices faced by indigenous populations due to aggressive neoliberal policies and land dispossession. The group became known for its secrecy and guerrilla tactics, echoing the historical Zapatista movement led by Emiliano Zapata during the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century.

The EZLN's establishment was not just a military maneuver but also a cultural and ideological awakening. Emphasizing indigenous identity and rights, the movement sought to bring global attention to the plight of marginalized communities in Mexico. By advocating for land, democracy, and social justice, they positioned themselves against what they viewed as a corrupt and unresponsive government. Their declarations often included calls for a new kind of politics, one grounded in direct democracy and respect for the autonomy of indigenous peoples.

In 1994, just after the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the EZLN gained international attention by launching an armed rebellion on January 1. This uprising spurred widespread interest and discourse related to indigenous rights, neoliberalism, and social justice. The Zapatistas employed media strategies that led them to become an emblem of the global anti-globalization movement, signaling a distinct shift in the way social movements could operate within a digital context. The legacy of their founding continues to influence both indigenous rights movements and discussions about economic policies in Mexico and beyond.