Two Nations Indivisible

Introduction

In recent years, the relationship between Mexico and the United States has been a topic of intense debate and discussion. From proposals to build a border wall to concerns about immigration and trade, the dynamics between these two neighboring countries have captured the attention of politicians, media, and citizens alike. Shannon K. O'Neil's book "Two Nations Indivisible" offers a comprehensive look at this complex relationship, exploring its history, challenges, and potential for the future.

This book summary will delve into the key ideas presented by O'Neil, examining the often misunderstood realities of modern Mexico, the evolution of US-Mexico relations, and the opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit that exist between these two nations. By looking beyond sensationalized headlines and common misconceptions, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the intricate ties that bind these countries together.

The Misrepresentation of Mexico in US Media

One of the central themes in O'Neil's book is the way Mexico is portrayed in American news media. The author argues that US news coverage of Mexico is heavily skewed towards stories of drug-related crime and violence, often overlooking the positive developments and progress occurring in the country.

Focus on Drug Violence

The city of Juárez, located just across the border from El Paso, Texas, serves as a prime example of this media bias. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Juárez experienced an unprecedented wave of drug-related violence. The statistics are indeed shocking:

• In 2009, over 2,500 violent, drug-related deaths occurred in the city.
• By 2010, this number had risen to 3,000, making Juárez the most violent city in the world at the time.
• Between 2007 and 2011, more than 9,000 people were murdered by drug lords and dealers in Juárez.

These grim figures naturally attracted significant media attention, with American news outlets extensively covering the violence and tragedy unfolding in the border city. While it's important to report on such serious issues, O'Neil argues that this narrow focus presents a distorted image of Mexico as a whole.

Overlooking Progress and Development

The author contends that the American media's fixation on drug violence overshadows the rapid progress Mexico has been making in other areas. Using Juárez as an example again, O'Neil points out several positive developments that often go unreported:

• The city has been experiencing rapid growth, with new buildings and factories from multinational companies like Siemens and Bosch.
• Juárez has been recognized by Foreign Direct Investment magazine (a Financial Times Group publication) as a city with promising future prospects.
• The city boasts a per capita income that's above average for Mexico.

These facts paint a very different picture of Juárez – and by extension, Mexico – than the one typically presented in US news coverage. O'Neil argues that this more balanced view is crucial for understanding the true state of Mexico and its relationship with the United States.

Diplomatic Challenges Between the US and Mexico

Despite geographical proximity and increasing interconnectedness, diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico have often been strained. O'Neil explores how attempts to improve these ties have faced significant challenges.

Efforts to Strengthen Cooperation

The author highlights efforts made by both countries to enhance their diplomatic relationship. For example:

• In 2009, Carlos Pascual was appointed as the US Ambassador to Mexico with the goal of strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
• President Barack Obama and Ambassador Pascual attended the North American Leaders Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico, demonstrating a commitment to bilateral relations.
• Pascual worked to build consensus between the two governments, focusing on a US-Mexico security strategy that aimed to address root causes of drug-related violence rather than just pursuing drug lords.

Obstacles to Collaboration

Despite these efforts, O'Neil points out that significant obstacles remained:

• Mexican officials were resistant to adopting American methods, preferring to stick with their traditional approaches of military and police raids.
• In 2010, WikiLeaks released confidential messages from Ambassador Pascual and his team that were critical of the Mexican government's security apparatus, highlighting issues such as infighting, corruption, and human rights violations.
• The leak led to a diplomatic crisis, with Mexican President Felipe Calderon expressing fury over the reports and criticizing the US government's coordination.
• As a result of the controversy, Ambassador Pascual was forced to resign in March 2011, despite his efforts to improve relations between the two countries.

This incident illustrates the delicate nature of US-Mexico diplomacy and the challenges faced in building trust and cooperation between the two nations.

The Evolution of Mexican Immigration to the United States

Immigration from Mexico to the United States has been a significant factor in shaping the relationship between the two countries. O'Neil traces the history of this immigration, particularly focusing on the changes that occurred from the 1980s onward.

The Economic Crisis of the 1980s

The author identifies the 1980s as a turning point in Mexican immigration to the US, triggered by an economic crisis in Mexico:

• In 1982, the value of the Mexican peso plummeted by 40% in just a few months.
• Mexico was unable to pay interest on its $80 billion foreign debt, further devaluing the peso.
• The economic downturn led to widespread job losses and increased poverty in Mexico.

Surge in Immigration

As a result of these economic hardships, Mexico experienced a significant increase in emigration to the United States:

• The number of border crossings doubled in the 1980s and again in the 1990s.
• By 2005, a Pew Research Center Hispanic Study found that over 6.5 million Mexicans were living in the United States without legal recognition.

Challenges for Undocumented Immigrants

O'Neil highlights the difficulties faced by undocumented immigrants and their families:

• More than 100,000 children of illegal Mexican immigrants have earned diplomas from US universities but are unable to work due to their lack of legal status.
• In 2012, the Obama administration took steps to address this issue by halting deportations of certain illegal immigrants and providing work visas to those who arrived in the US before the age of 16.
• The DREAM Act, proposed legislation, aimed to provide a path to citizenship for immigrants who arrived as children and met certain criteria.

These developments underscore the complex nature of the immigration issue and its impact on both countries.

Mexico's Path to Democracy

Another crucial aspect of Mexico's recent history explored by O'Neil is the country's transition to democracy. This process, which culminated in the 2000 elections, was marked by protests and political reforms.

The Dominance of the PRI

For much of the 20th century, Mexico was governed by a single party:

• The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) came to power in 1929 and maintained control through various means, including corruption and gerrymandering.
• The party's monopoly on power led to growing discontent among the Mexican people.

The Rise of Protests in the 1990s

O'Neil describes how public dissatisfaction with the PRI government came to a head in the 1990s:

• In 1994, during the peso crisis, protesters burned their credit cards in front of the Bank of Mexico, signaling a shift from apathy to anger.
• The Zapatista National Liberation Army emerged, demanding rights for indigenous and poor people.
• These protests put pressure on the government to enact political reforms.

The 1996 Electoral Reforms

In response to growing public pressure, significant changes were made to Mexico's electoral system:

• President Ernesto Zedillo, recognizing the need for change, accepted political reforms.
• The electoral institute, previously run by the government's ministry of the interior, became an independent body run by citizens.

The 2000 Elections

These reforms paved the way for Mexico's first truly democratic elections in 2000:

• Vicente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN) won the presidency, marking the first time control of the presidency had changed hands democratically in Mexico.

This transition to democracy represents a significant milestone in Mexico's political development and has important implications for its relationship with the United States.

The Impact of Trade Agreements on Mexico's Economy

O'Neil dedicates considerable attention to the role of international trade in shaping Mexico's economy, particularly focusing on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

The Introduction of NAFTA

NAFTA, a trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, was a landmark development in North American economic relations:

• Lobbying for such an agreement began in the 1980s.
• The agreement aimed to eliminate border taxes on imports and exports while protecting intellectual property rights.
• NAFTA was signed in 1992 and led to rapid increases in trade between the three countries.

Economic Benefits of NAFTA

O'Neil highlights several positive outcomes of NAFTA for Mexico:

• By 2011, Mexico was exporting five times more products to the United States than before NAFTA.
• US exports to Mexico had increased fourfold.
• Mexico saw a boost in foreign direct investment, particularly in the manufacturing sector.
• Mexico became Latin America's largest exporter.

Limitations of Trade Liberalization

However, the author also points out that trade agreements alone are not sufficient to solve all of Mexico's economic challenges:

• The advantage gained from NAFTA could diminish if other countries, like China, strike similar agreements with the United States.
• Mexico's economy is still dominated by a handful of major companies, leading to inflated prices for consumers.
• According to OECD estimates from 2010, Mexican families pay 40% more than they should for basic household goods due to lack of competition.

Need for Further Economic Reforms

O'Neil argues that Mexico needs to address these issues to fully benefit from trade liberalization:

• Tougher economic regulations are needed to curb monopolistic tendencies.
• The telecommunications market, dominated by companies owned by multibillionaire Carlos Slim, is cited as an example of excessive market concentration.

These insights demonstrate that while trade agreements have been beneficial for Mexico's economy, they are not a panacea for all economic challenges.

The Rise of Drug Trafficking in Mexico

One of the most pressing issues in US-Mexico relations is the drug trade. O'Neil provides a detailed account of how Mexico became a major hub for drug trafficking and the consequences of this development.

Shift in Drug Routes

The author explains how changes in US drug enforcement policies in the 1980s led to a shift in drug trafficking routes:

• Previously, cocaine primarily entered the US from Colombia through the Caribbean and into Miami.
• Increased US security measures along the southeast coast forced drug traffickers to find alternative routes.
• Mexico became the new primary pathway for drugs entering the United States.

Growth of Mexican Drug Cartels

As Mexico's role in the drug trade expanded, local criminal organizations grew in power and influence:

• Initially serving as a transit point for Colombian drugs, Mexican cartels soon began building their own operations.
• Today, 90% of the cocaine that enters the US comes through Mexican drug cartels.
• Mexican cartels also play a significant role in the marijuana and heroin trade, as well as drug shipments to other continents.

Escalation of Violence

The growth of the drug trade in Mexico has been accompanied by a dramatic increase in violence:

• In the 1990s, drug-related violence was relatively controlled due to agreements between cartels and the corrupt authoritarian government.
• When opposition politicians came to power in the late 1990s, these agreements broke down, leading to increased violence.
• In Chihuahua, murders increased by 60% in the two years following the 1992 election of a National Action Party governor.
• Violence further escalated when President Felipe Calderón declared war on drug trafficking in 2006.

This rise in drug-related violence has had profound effects on Mexico's society and its relationship with the United States.

The Need for Collaboration on Immigration

O'Neil argues that the current approach to immigration, including citizen-led border patrols, is unsustainable. Instead, she proposes several areas where the United States and Mexico could collaborate more effectively on immigration issues.

Streamlining Family Reunification

One key recommendation is to speed up the process of reuniting immigrant families:

• Allocate family-based immigration visas to immediate family members of naturalized US citizens.
• This could help reduce illegal immigration by providing legal pathways for family members to join their relatives in the US.

Aligning Immigration with Labor Market Needs

O'Neil suggests that the US should make its immigration policies more responsive to economic needs:

• Implement a more flexible system for issuing work and permanent visas, rather than relying on fixed quotas.
• Adjust the number of visas granted based on the fluctuating needs of the US labor market.

Enforcing Existing Labor Laws

To address issues related to illegal employment, the author recommends:

• Cracking down on employers and employees operating in the black market.
• Enforcing existing labor laws more stringently to discourage illegal hiring practices.

Strengthening Economic Ties

Beyond immigration, O'Neil sees significant potential for the United States and Mexico to strengthen their economic relationship, bringing mutual benefits.

Investing in Mexican Infrastructure

The author identifies infrastructure as a key area where US investment could make a significant impact:

• Mexico's manufacturing and export industries are booming, but the country lacks adequate infrastructure to support this growth.
• US investment in new airports, highways, ports, and railroads could help address this issue.
• Such investments would require billions of dollars, but could greatly enhance Mexico's economic capacity.

Benefits for the United States

In return for these investments, the United States stands to gain several advantages:

• Access to Mexico as a cost-effective location for manufacturing and factory construction.
• Improved infrastructure would facilitate smoother trade between the two countries.
• A stronger Mexican economy could lead to increased demand for US goods and services.

Mexico's Path to Becoming a Strong Democracy

O'Neil is optimistic about Mexico's future, seeing signs that the country is moving towards becoming a more robust democracy with a prosperous economy.

Recent Political Reforms

The author points to several reforms introduced by President Enrique Peña Nieto as evidence of positive change:

• In his first year in office, Peña Nieto introduced 16 significant reforms.
• Education reforms ended the practice of families buying or inheriting teaching positions.
• New laws were passed to control large media and telecommunications firms that abuse their market power.

Upcoming Political and Economic Decisions

O'Neil identifies several crucial decisions that Mexico will need to make in the coming years:

• Whether to allow the reelection of politicians, which could encourage greater accountability and long-term thinking among elected officials.
• Opening up the Mexican energy market to foreign investors, which could attract billions of dollars in investment.

Potential for a Democratic and Prosperous Mexico

If these reforms continue, O'Neil believes Mexico has the potential to become a strong, democratic nation with a thriving economy. This transformation would have significant implications for its relationship with the United States and its role in the global community.

Conclusion

"Two Nations Indivisible" provides a comprehensive look at the complex relationship between Mexico and the United States. Shannon K. O'Neil's analysis goes beyond sensationalized headlines and common misconceptions, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist between these two neighboring countries.

Key takeaways from the book include:

1. The need for a more balanced portrayal of Mexico in US media, acknowledging both challenges and progress.
2. The importance of overcoming diplomatic hurdles to foster better cooperation between the two nations.
3. Understanding the historical context and current realities of Mexican immigration to the United States.
4. Recognizing Mexico's journey towards democracy and the potential for further political reforms.
5. Appreciating the impact of trade agreements like NAFTA while acknowledging the need for additional economic reforms in Mexico.
6. Addressing the serious issue of drug trafficking and its impact on both countries.
7. The potential for collaboration on immigration policies that benefit both nations.
8. Opportunities for strengthening economic ties through infrastructure investment and trade.
9. Mexico's potential to become a strong, democratic nation with a prosperous economy.

As O'Neil argues, despite a long history of strained relations and disagreements, Mexico and the United States are finding more common ground every day. Both countries stand to benefit as they develop their relationship as economic partners and democratic neighbors. By working together to address shared challenges and capitalize on mutual opportunities, these two nations can build a stronger, more prosperous future for their citizens and the broader North American region.

The path forward will require continued effort, understanding, and cooperation from both sides. It will involve looking beyond stereotypes and short-term political gains to focus on long-term, mutually beneficial strategies. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the relationship between Mexico and the United States will only grow in importance. By fostering a deeper understanding of this complex relationship, as O'Neil does in "Two Nations Indivisible," we can work towards a future where these two nations truly are indivisible partners in facing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.