A Marriage Of Convenience: Relations Between Mexico And The United States
A timely and illuminating study by one of this country's foremost experts on Mexico's economy and on U.S.-Mexican relations. As the populations of the two countries are by themselves becoming increasingly intertwined economically, demographically and culturally, Weintraub urges a policy of "managed integration" to allow each nation "to extract maximum advantage from the integration rather than futilely fighting it." Weintraub's grasp of economics and his sense of policy and policymaking are stronger than his empathy for Mexican politics, but the book's impressive strengths make it one of the best volumes available on this vital international relationship.
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U.S. and Mexican policymakers are rushing to resolve long-standing immigration problems. Guest worker programs are on the table, but the negotiators show a troublesome myopia about the programs' implications. The supposed economic benefits of such programs may prove illusory, and the "guests" may in fact come to stay.
The United States is spreading its aid and efforts too thin in the developing world. It should focus on a small number of "pivotal states": countries whose fate determines the survival and success of the surrounding region and ultimately the stability of the international system. The list should include Mexico, Brazil, Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Turkey, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. A discriminating strategy for shoring up the developing world is a wise way to address traditional security threats and new transnational issues; it might be thought of as the new, improved domino theory. If effective, it could forestall the move in Congress to wipe out nearly all foreign aid.
The U.S.-led effort to revive the peso staved off a Great Depression in Mexico. The Mexican economy is turning the corner and paying off its debt to the United States. Mexico was not broke last year; it faced a liquidity crisis. Clinton's action ensured that economic reform in Mexico--and other developing nations--continues.

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