Two Nations Indivisible Summary

Understanding the dynamic between Mexico and the United States is essential to tackling shared challenges and unlocking mutual opportunities.

1. US Media's Obsession with Drug-Related Crime in Mexico

American news coverage of Mexico often paints a grim picture, focusing extensively on drug-related violence. Stories of notorious drug lords and violent incidents dominate the narrative in the United States.

This portrayal tends to leave out Mexico's progress in other areas, perpetuating a biased perspective. Juárez, for example, has historically been spotlighted for its violence, and headlines frequently highlight its grim period between 2007 and 2011, during which over 9,000 drug-related murders occurred.

Meanwhile, Juárez’s positive advancements are seldom acknowledged. The city has seen rapid industrial growth, with multinational companies like Siemens and Bosch establishing a strong presence. Such developments contribute to an above-average per capita income and signal a brighter future.

Examples

• In 1997, media sensationalized the death of infamous drug cartel leader Amado Carrillo.
• The American press portrayed Juárez as the world's most violent city in 2010.
• Foreign Direct Investment magazine has highlighted Juárez’s economic improvements.

2. Diplomatic Relations Between the US and Mexico Face Challenges

The cross-border relationship has been marked by collaboration efforts fraught with tensions. Despite many initiatives, deep-seated mistrust often derails progress.

In 2009, Carlos Pascual, the US Ambassador to Mexico, sought collaborative strategies to address shared issues like drug violence. His plans emphasized judicial reform and tackling societal issues rather than purely pursuing cartel leaders.

However, complications rose when WikiLeaks exposed US diplomats’ critiques of Mexico's government. Mexican officials felt disrespected, leading to frayed connections and Pascual's resignation in 2011.

Examples

• Carlos Pascual’s efforts were undermined by strained cooperation between the two governments.
• The leaked cables highlighted wide-scale corruption and governance issues in Mexico.
• President Felipe Calderón criticized the United States, further straining ties.

3. Waves of Economic Immigration Highlight Need for Reform

Economic crises in Mexico have historically spurred large-scale immigration to the US. The 1980s oil crash ignited a chain reaction of poverty and job shortages, prompting millions of Mexicans to seek work across the border.

Border crossings doubled through the ’80s and ’90s, yet the US struggled to adapt. Legal recognition of undocumented immigrants lagged, leaving many families unsure of their future.

Programs like the DREAM Act and Obama’s 2012 decision to grant work permits to young immigrants demonstrate steps toward addressing these issues, but challenges persist in the realm of border policy and workforce recognition.

Examples

• The peso was devalued by 40 percent in 1982, triggering economic fallout and migration.
• By 2005, there were 6.5 million undocumented Mexicans living in the US.
• The DREAM Act aimed to provide a structured path to citizenship for young immigrants.

4. Democratic Progress Began with the Fall of Mexico’s PRI Monopoly

Prolonged one-party rule stifled democracy in Mexico for much of the twentieth century. The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) maintained power through questionable practices, which eventually sparked public unrest in the 1990s.

Grassroots protests and movements like the Zapatista National Liberation Army’s demand for indigenous rights pushed for social and political reforms. The PRI eventually reformed voting mechanisms to enable fair elections.

This progress culminated in 2000, when opposition candidate Vicente Fox won, marking the first peaceful transfer of power in nearly 70 years.

Examples

• The 1994 peso crisis deepened anger against the PRI.
• Protesters in the 1990s burned credit cards to oppose corrupt banks.
• Subcomandante Marcos united many Mexicans in fighting for indigenous rights.

5. Free Trade Boosted Mexico’s Economy but Exposed Limitations

International trade agreements like NAFTA fueled economic growth by increasing exports and foreign investment. Mexico emerged as Latin America’s largest exporter, signaling its newfound economic strength.

However, these trade deals also exposed structural issues. Monopolistic corporate practices drive up consumer costs, while sectors like telecommunications remain dominated by a few major players.

Reforming antitrust laws and fostering competition are key steps for Mexico if it wants to capitalize on its position as a trading partner and global exporter.

Examples

• NAFTA quadrupled US-Mexico trade after its inception in 1992.
• Mexican companies like Telmex are accused of price inflation, creating high costs for families.
• Despite trade benefits, foreign competition from countries like China poses new challenges.

6. Drug Trafficking’s Boom Ushered in Violence and Instability

Mexico's role in the international drug trade skyrocketed in the 1980s after the US cracked down on Caribbean trafficking routes. Mexican cartels quickly rose to prominence, managing massive networks of cocaine, marijuana, and heroin distribution.

This industry brought immense wealth but also brutal violence. Drug wars became common, and the breakdown of corrupt government-cartel alliances exacerbated shootings, killings, and general instability.

Efforts such as Felipe Calderón’s "war on drugs" were met with mixed outcomes, as enforcement efforts often triggered even more violence.

Examples

• By the 2000s, 90 percent of cocaine entering the US came via Mexican cartels.
• The 1992 election of opposition leaders targeted existing cartel-government agreements.
• Calderón’s strategy of military intervention worsened clashes in Chihuahua and beyond.

7. Immigration and Economic Collaboration Require Joint Efforts

Solving cross-border issues like immigration and trade depends on joint policymaking. For migration, addressing legal visa quotas and black-market labor exploitation is necessary.

Economically, infrastructure deficiencies in Mexico stall production and trade expansion. American investment in modernization—particularly in airports, highways, and railroads—could mutually benefit both nations.

A sustainable partnership on these fronts promises long-term improvements and enhanced relations between the countries.

Examples

• Immigration patrols in El Paso demonstrate worsening tensions over border control.
• Mexico’s 100-year-old rail network hinders faster goods transportation to export hubs.
• US investments in manufacturing facilities have created new economic opportunities.

8. Political Reforms Are Helping Mexico Modernize

Reforms under recent governments, such as Enrique Peña Nieto’s PRI administration, suggest a shift from corruption-driven politics to modern democracy.

Education reform tackled the nepotistic traditions in Mexican schools, and anti-monopolistic laws targeted abusive corporations. Further reforms are aiming to open energy markets to private foreign firms and revise rules about political reelection.

If Mexico sustains these initiatives, it can strengthen its democracy while growing its economy.

Examples

• Laws now mandate transparent teacher assessments and accurate federal education records.
• Carlos Slim’s telecommunications empires have been impacted by anti-monopoly measures.
• Reelection rules may evolve to motivate long-term accountability from elected officials.

9. Mexico and the US Share a Mutual Opportunity for Growth

As each country addresses its challenges, closer ties could yield shared benefits. For Mexico, reforming monopolistic tendencies and improving infrastructure would boost both its global competitiveness and trade ties with the US.

For the US, embracing Mexican labor while investing in Mexico’s development bolsters a neighbor crucial to its economic future. Building trust and cooperation will pave the way for a stronger partnership.

Examples

• Mexico remains the second-largest economy in Latin America, heavily linked to US trade.
• Mutual energy initiatives could strengthen energy independence for both nations.
• Cross-border investment in technology could improve supply chain systems.

Takeaways

1. Work toward stronger US-Mexico immigration reforms, focusing on creating fair processes for family reunification and market-driven visa allocations.
2. Support Mexican economic reforms tackling monopolistic practices and encourage foreign investments in energy markets to stimulate competitiveness.
3. Advocate for more accurate media coverage that highlights Mexico’s advancements alongside its challenges to foster better cross-border understanding.