Mexico-U.S. Relations: U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Speech:“Mexico at a Crossroads"

Yesterday, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Carlos Pascual, delivered a lecture at Stanford Univetrsity on the crises facing Mexico, and joint U.S.-Mexican government stategies to address the rule of law, security, economic development and trade.  While the Ambassador cites the Obama "National Drug Strategy" which aims at a 15% reduction in drug consumpton over five years, there is, of course, no mention of legalizing the drug trade. 

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Speaks: As we support Mexico in facing the crossroads before it, several things are clear: Mexico’s economic development and its security needs must be addressed together, with integrated strategies that acknowledge the interactive nature of these challenges. Strengthening the rule of law is critical to restoring security, and security is crucial for competing successfully in a globalized economy. Organized crime must be dismantled so that investment flows will increase and more jobs will be created.

We have seen that the threats -- and the opportunities -- are transnational, inviting us, indeed, obliging us to work together. October 20, 2010. made available by the Woodrow Wilson Center