U.S.-Mexico Relations, Security and Human Rights

Mexico has experienced an intense security crisis, organized crime wave and an explosion in violent crime. In the past, scholars, analysts, and media commentators have overlooked the central role of U.S. policy towards Mexico, instead framing the discussion in terms of a battle over territory and political control between drug trafficking organizations and the state.

While drawing on contemporary debates, this event went beyond these often limited discussions about the causes and factors which have culminated in Mexico's most violent period since the Revolution. In particular, it considered the role of U.S. policy, including the extent to which Mexico's struggle against organized crime and bilateral policy have affected the security situation, and will explore potential solutions to the crisis in an attempt to foster a new debate about the role of the United States in Mexico.

Chair:
Duncan Wood
Director, Mexico Institute
Wilson Center

Keynote Speaker:
Mónica Serrano
Professor, International Relations
El Colegio de México

Discussants:
Andrew Selee
Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Mexico Institute
Wilson Center

Benjamin T. Smith
Associate Professor, Latin American History 
University of Warwick

Mariclaire Acosta
Director
Freedom House, Mexico