There is a fire smoldering in America’s backyard.
Mexican President Lopez expressed his frustration starkly, declaring, “We are not a colony of any country.”
The implication is clear: America, you still treat us like a colony.
On October 1 of this year, Lopez will leave office. Why was he so upset just before his exit?
Simply put, the United States has bullied others too much.
Mexico has reached its breaking point.
As one of only two neighbors of the United States—Canada to the north and Mexico to the south—Mexico feels the weight of this relationship.
While Canada is often viewed as the 51st state of the U.S., Mexico has historically been the most wronged Latin American nation.
If it weren’t for U.S. encroachments, Mexico’s territory would be significantly larger. Many parts of the United States, such as California and Texas, were originally Mexican land.
Lopez’s sorrow and anger stem from the U.S. continuing its aggression against Mexicans.
This is particularly evident with the two current presidential candidates in the United States, both of whom have shown hostility towards Mexicans.
Harris has pushed for various measures to limit Mexican immigration, while Trump has gone as far as advocating for a wall, demanding Mexico’s compliance, and imposing economic sanctions on the country…
“We don’t want a wall, we don’t want the militarization of the border, we don’t want to see our citizens being abused,” Lopez remarked.
He further asserted, “Don’t forget that Mexico is a free, independent, and sovereign country. We are not a colony of any nation.”
However, this does not mark the end of tensions between the United States and Mexico.
Judicial reform has been a key focus of Lopez’s political legacy and remains a top priority as his term concludes. This proposed legislation would allow judges to be elected through a popular vote.
Lopez believes these reforms would significantly aid in Mexico’s fight against corruption. In fact, many states in the U.S. also elect judges through popular vote.
Yet, the United States has opposed this initiative.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar openly cautioned that Lopez’s reforms could jeopardize democracy and trade relations between the two nations.
Salazar stated, “I believe that the current conversation regarding the direct election of judges, along with the intense political struggle to pass judicial elections in 2025 and 2027, could threaten the longstanding trade relationship we have established. The trade relations between the United States and Mexico heavily rely on investor confidence in Mexico’s legal framework.”
The U.S. not only issued verbal warnings but also applied coordinated pressure.
While Salazar expressed his opposition, credit rating agencies like Fitch and major financial institutions like Citibank and Morgan Stanley also publicly raised risk warnings.
What are the implications of these warnings?
The negative outlook regarding the Mexican economy has deterred investors.
An infuriated President Lopez claimed Wall Street’s actions were purely “political maneuvers.” “Don’t believe them; they have already engaged in significant deception.”
Regarding the U.S. ambassador’s actions, Lopez labeled them regrettable and reckless, pointing out that the United States has historically pursued interventionist policies in the Americas. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue a note to the United States, affirming, “We do not accept any interference in our internal affairs from representatives of foreign governments.”
Will the United States change its stance?
Mexico should not be overly optimistic either.
On August 16, Lopez sent a letter to Biden, urging the U.S. to refrain from interfering in Mexico’s affairs and to stop humiliating the country.
Lopez reminded Biden that between 2018 and 2023, the U.S. Agency for International Development provided 111 million pesos (approximately $5.91 million) to the organization Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity. Though this amount is not excessive, Lopez deemed it “completely offensive” to Mexico and “contrary to a relationship that respects the sovereignty of both nations.”
In his opinion, some members of Mexico’s “so-called civil society” have questioned large-scale projects initiated by the Mexican government, including the Maya Railway and a new refinery at Dos Bocas Port, with perceived American influence behind the criticism.
Previously, he also cautioned that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had been infiltrating local drug cartels without authorization from the Mexican government, which he deemed “insulting and arrogant interference” that is unacceptable. No foreign agent or agency has the right to conduct espionage on Mexican soil.
But the United States has done so openly.
Last year, leaked U.S. intelligence revealed that the U.S. was spying on the Mexican military. Lopez reacted with outrage, expressing that he was livid with the U.S.
He asserted, “(U.S.) espionage cannot be used to uncover what our security agencies are doing, let alone arrogantly leak information to the Washington Post.”
America, you actually monitor our military, and when you do so, you not only monitor but also disclose sensitive information. Where is Mexico’s dignity in this?
As tensions escalated, Lopez, poised to leave office, finally unleashed a fierce critique of the United States.
What are your thoughts?
Let us examine three key points.
First, we must understand the resentment felt by Mexicans.
The United States, as Mexico’s largest neighbor, has inflicted significant harm and taken much from Mexico, yet Mexico remains heavily dependent on the U.S. Many jobs and opportunities in Mexico rely on American support.
However, how can Mexicans not feel anger toward the condescension and sometimes overt humiliation from the U.S.?
This sentiment holds true under the Biden administration and was even more pronounced during Trump’s tenure. Trump publicly stated his intention to send special forces to Mexico to combat drug cartels, raising questions about Mexico’s sovereignty and dignity.
Thus, Lopez’s anger is justified: We are not a colony of any country.
Second, this scenario reflects a broader trend in U.S. policy towards Latin America.
This is not only true for Mexico; it applies to other Latin American nations as well.
The outspoken Brazilian President Lula has criticized the United States by name. Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he has stated, “We must stop encouraging war and start advocating for a ceasefire.”
Regarding the dollar’s dominance, Lula has vehemently questioned, “Every night I ask myself, why? Why do these countries have to transact in U.S. dollars? Why can’t it be in RMB or other currencies?”
In Colombia, the most staunch U.S. ally in Latin America, newly elected President Petro denounced the U.S. “war on drugs” as a violation of Colombian sovereignty and called for a renegotiation of the bilateral trade agreement with the United States.
This phenomenon is evident in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, not to mention other nations.
As a result, I previously wrote that next to the world’s most powerful country, there exists a group of resentful neighbors glaring at the United States.
Third, the upcoming challenge will lie with the new Mexican President Sheinbaum.
The United States felt disappointed when the candidate it backed lost in the Mexican elections, resulting in Lopez’s ally Sheinbaum assuming the presidency.
Sheinbaum made history as Mexico’s first female president, the first scientist president, and the first Jewish president.
Lopez’s relationship with Biden and Trump has been fraught with tension. Will the dynamic improve with Sheinbaum in office?
The likelihood appears very slim.
However, it cannot be dismissed that Sheinbaum may face numerous humiliations ahead. There is also the possibility that the United States will continue to exert its influence, prompting Mexico to respond with anger, or even that the U.S. might attempt to destabilize Mexico…
Let us not forget the saying in Mexico: Mexico’s greatest tragedy is that it is too far from God and too close to the United States. ■
US-Mexico Relations: An Overview of Current Tensions and Implications
Growing Frustration from Mexico’s Leadership
The current political climate between the United States and Mexico is undeniably heated. Recently, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed his indignation, stating emphatically, “We are not a colony of any country.” This statement comes in the wake of escalating tensions regarding immigration policies and judicial reforms proposed in Mexico, which have led to stark warnings from U.S. officials.
Historical Context of US-Mexico Relations
Historically, the U.S. has had a complex relationship with Mexico, stemming from past territorial disputes that significantly altered Mexico’s landscape and sovereignty. Major regions like California and Texas were once part of Mexico but were ceded to the U.S. through war and annexation. This historical background plays a crucial role in contemporary grievances.
Recent Political Developments
Lopez Obrador’s administration is nearing its conclusion, with elections on the horizon. His anger appears to stem from both recent U.S. rhetoric and actions perceived as disrespectful to Mexican sovereignty. As Mexico’s political landscape shifts due to upcoming elections, the ideological divide regarding relations with the U.S. will only become more pronounced.
Judicial Reforms in Mexico
A significant aspect of Lopez Obrador’s legacy is the pivotal judicial reform proposal advocating for the popular election of judges. He argues that this could combat corruption within the Mexican justice system. However, the U.S. government has issued warnings about such reforms, claiming they threaten democracy and could destabilize trade relations.
Implications for Trade and Economy
The U.S.-Mexico trade relationship is one of the largest economic partnerships worldwide. López Obrador’s remarks, combined with U.S. warnings, have led to a cautious atmosphere in investment circles. According to a report from Fitch Ratings and feedback from major financial institutions like Citibank and Morgan Stanley, investor confidence in Mexico’s legal framework is precarious.
Consequently, these financial ramifications can lead to decreased foreign investment. In light of this, the Mexican government has publicly condemned these actions as political machinations designed to maintain control over its policies.
Immigration Policy Tensions
U.S. immigration policies have continuously strained relations, particularly regarding how they affect the flow of people across the border. Vice President Kamala Harris’s stance to tighten immigration flows has sparked discord in Mexico, complicating diplomatic engagements. Former President Donald Trump’s insistence on border militarization exacerbated feelings of animosity.
Broader Latin America Implications
The ongoing tensions are symptomatic of a larger trend in U.S.-Latin American relations. Leaders across Latin America, such as Brazil’s President Lula and Colombia’s President Petro, have criticized U.S. interventions in domestic matters and challenged the dominance of the U.S. dollar in regional trade.
| Country | Current Leadership | Stance on US Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Andrés Manuel López Obrador | Critiques U.S. influence; calls for respect of sovereignty |
| Brazil | Lula da Silva | Challenges U.S. policies; advocates for international currency options |
| Colombia | Gustavo Petro | Opposes U.S. drug policies; seeks renegotiation of trade agreements |
Looking Ahead: The Future of US-Mexico Relations
As Mexico prepares for a transition of power, the implications of U.S.-Mexico relations hang in the balance. The new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who is expected to maintain a close alignment with López Obrador’s policies, faces the task of navigating these complex challenges. Will she continue the path created by López Obrador, or will a new strategy emerge?
Opportunities and Challenges
1. **Economic Growth Potential**: There is a significant opportunity for strengthening trade relations, particularly in sustainable development and technology sectors.
2. **Continued Political Resistance**: The historical resentment towards perceived intervention makes bold investments in U.S.-Mexico partnerships risky without careful diplomacy.
3. **Cultural Connections**: An active cultural exchange can play a crucial role in public diplomacy, engendering goodwill between both nations despite political tensions.
Conclusion
The relationship between the United States and Mexico is at a critical juncture, characterized by longstanding grievances, emerging political transitions, and economic implications. Both nations must navigate these turbulent waters with an understanding of each other’s historical contexts and contemporary realities. The way forward necessitates dialogue and respect for sovereignty to foster a mutually beneficial partnership.
