Mexico City, April 8, 2025.— In an international landscape marked by uncertainty and the approaching decisive elections in both countries, the Universidad Panamericana, through Panamericana Graduate Studies, hosted the panel discussion “The Mexico-U.S. Bilateral Relationship: Hanging by a Thread?” This academic event brought together renowned experts in international politics and foreign relations to reflect on the present and future of the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States.
The panel consisted of Dr. Rafael Fernández de Castro, director of the Center for U.S.-Mexico Studies and professor at the School of Global Policy and Strategy at the University of California, San Diego; Dr. Juan Carlos Baker, former undersecretary of Foreign Trade and professor at the Universidad Panamericana; and, as moderator, Dr. Guillermo Tenorio Cueto, dean of the School of Government and Economics at the Universidad Panamericana.
A space for interdisciplinary dialogue
During his welcome address on Dr. Santiago García, rector of the Mexico City campus, he highlighted the importance of creating spaces for interdisciplinary dialogue at the new Posgrados Santa Fe campus, designed specifically to foster interaction among students, faculty, and experts from different fields.
The university president emphasized that an analysis of the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States is particularly relevant given the current situation, and thanked the panelists for their participation, describing them as two of the world’s leading experts on the subject.
A complex but strategic relationship
During the discussion, the experts agreed that the relationship between Mexico and the United States is one of the most interdependent in the world, but also one of the most complex. Dr. Fernández de Castro emphasized that, despite political tensions and challenges related to migration and security, economic and trade cooperation remains a fundamental pillar for both nations.
For his part, Dr. Baker emphasized that changes in U.S. policy, particularly regarding the USMCA, have created uncertainty in key sectors such as manufacturing and agribusiness. However, he stressed that Mexico has learned to navigate the political volatility of its northern neighbor and that economic integration will continue to be a determining factor in the coming years.
Political risks and cross-border challenges
One of the central topics of the discussion was the impact of the upcoming elections in the United States and Mexico on bilateral relations. Dr. Fernández de Castro warned that, in the event of a Republican victory, immigration and trade policies could become stricter, which would pose a challenge for Mexican diplomacy.
The discussion also addressed security tensions, with a particular focus on fentanyl trafficking and the role of cartels along the border. The panelists agreed that security cooperation must be strengthened, but that the narrative of holding Mexico solely responsible is ineffective and counterproductive.
An inevitable relationship that must be strengthened
Despite the identified risks, the experts agreed that the relationship between Mexico and the United States is indispensable and will continue to evolve. “We can talk about tensions and differences, but the reality is that we are deeply interconnected,”, said Dr. Baker.
Dr. Guillermo Tenorio concluded the panel discussion by emphasizing the importance of academia and rigorous analysis in understanding the bilateral relationship beyond short-term political developments. “The challenge is to turn challenges into opportunities and find ways to strengthen a strategic relationship for both countries,”, he said.
This event reflected the Universidad Panamericana commitment Universidad Panamericana fostering critical analysis and informed debate on issues of global significance, providing the academic community and the general public with tools to better understand the international landscape.
Learn more about Panamericana's graduate programs at: https://posgrados-panamericana.up.edu.mx/
