The Wilson Center's Mexico Institute and The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) was pleased to host a discussion on the challenges and opportunities for building a more peaceful society in Mexico. 

IEP's Mexico Peace Index, which ranks Mexico's 32 states on their peacefulness, paints a complex picture of a country in transition. While some states in Mexico have struggled to contain violent crime, others (such as Oaxaca and Chiapas) have become much more peaceful in recent years. And, belying the troubling picture sometimes portrayed in the media, analysis shows that Mexico has a solid foundation to draw upon in seeking to become a more peaceful country, such as a sound business environment, falling income inequality and high levels of human capital. 

The questions addressed by the panel included: 

• In addition to the human costs, what are the economic consequences of violence containment spending for Mexico's economy?
• How much do we know about how violence limits economic growth in Mexico?
• Where are the opportunities for investments in peace and security?
• And, in what ways do tools like the Mexico Peace Index provide useful guidance to policymakers and practitioners working to improve peace and security?

Panelists included:

• Michelle Breslauer, Director, Americas, Institute for Economics and Peace
• Maureen Meyer, Senior Associate for Mexico and Migrant Rights, Washington Office on Latin America
• Clare Seelke, Specialist in Latin American Affairs, Congressional Research Service
• Moderator: Duncan Wood, Director, Mexico Institute