Mexico

Experts argue that Mexico affects daily life in the United States more than any other country. For years, U.S. and Mexican officials have attempted to tackle immigration, trade, and security challenges, and their success has depended on cooperation. With so much at stake, Why It Matters investigates the complex relationship and the factors that threaten it. 

 

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Host
  • Gabrielle Sierra
    Director, Podcasting
Credits

Asher Ross - Supervising Producer

Markus Zakaria - Audio Producer and Sound Designer

Rafaela Siewert - Associate Podcast Producer

Episode Guests
  • Mariana Campero
    Senior Associate (Non-resident), Americas Program, Center for Strategic & International Studies
  • Shannon K. O'Neil
    Vice President, Deputy Director of Studies, and Nelson and David Rockefeller Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies

Show Notes

Headlines often paint a one-dimensional story centered on immigration when reporting on U.S.-Mexico ties. But the partnership is complex, spanning trade, economics, immigration, security, environmental issues, and climate change. Cooperation is critical in each of these areas, and for years, Washington has benefited from friendly relations with Mexico City. With stable and amicable partners across its borders, the United States has been able to focus its attention elsewhere, an advantage many other countries do not share. 

 

However, democratic backsliding, economic nationalism, and a new wave of corruption in Mexico threaten the relationship that has been foundational to U.S. success. 

 

Dig Deeper 

 

From CFR

 

Lopez Obrador Is Dismantling Democracy in Mexico,” Shannon K. O’Neil

 

Migrants at the U.S. Border: How Biden’s Approach Differs From Trump’s,” Shannon K. O’Neil

 

Mexico’s Lopez Obrador Is Stoking Corruption, Not Fighting It,” Shannon K. O’Neil

 

Mexico’s Long War: Drugs, Crime, and the Cartels,” CFR.org Editors

 

Mexico’s Women Push Back on Gender-Based Violence,” Amelia Cheatham

 

From Mariana Campero

 

Mexico’s Midterm Elections Matter to the United States,” CSIS

 

Complying with the USMCA is the New Priority,” Mexico Matters

 

Democracy: The Biggest Winner in Mexico’s Midterms,” Mexico Matters

 

Read More

 

U.S. officials will negotiate a new security deal with Mexico during talks Friday,” NPR

 

US immigration: Thousands gather under bridge at US-Mexico border in growing crisis,” BBC

 

Developing a roadmap for USMCA success,” Brookings Institution 

 

Mexican president says to speak with Biden about climate change,” Reuters

 

A Political Circus,” Human Rights Watch

 

Watch and Listen

 

What’s Happening At The U.S.-Mexico Border?” NPR’s Fresh Air

 

USMCA vs NAFTA, explained with a toy car,” Vox

 

What’s Causing the Central American Migration Crisis?” History

 

Mexico’s Forever War Against Drug Cartels,” Vice News Reports

 

Mexico’s Cartels Are Deadlier Than Ever Despite the Pandemic,” Vice News

 

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