Mexico

Mexico is the United States’ number one trading partner in 2019. The relationship is special. Although ties between the two countries are solid, our partnership today faces important challenges, including rapidly changing political landscapes, shifting economic winds, shared security threats, and a migration crisis extending from Central America.

Recent analysis

Events

Programs

The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations and delivers constructive, results-oriented solutions to inform how the public and private sectors can advance hemispheric prosperity.

Content

Dispatches

Mar 2, 2026

Decapitation strikes are not enough to take on Mexico’s cartels. Here’s what else the US should do.

By Charlotte Bertrand

Strikes on cartels should be combined with greater efforts to disrupt supply and reduce substance use disorder in the United States.

Latin America Mexico

Econographics

Feb 25, 2026

The US and Mexico need stronger financial cooperation to disrupt illicit financial flows

By Phil Lovegren

Killing cartel leaders grabs headlines, but lasting progress in curbing the illicit drug trade requires following the money. If the United States and Mexico truly want to tackle organized crime, they must deepen cooperation to disrupt the financial flows that sustain it.

Economy & Business Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade

Dispatches

Feb 12, 2026

Dispatch from Mexico City: Trump’s latest consideration of USMCA withdrawal meets a measured reaction

Mexican officials and business leaders are not in a panic over news that the US president is considering exiting the trilateral trade pact.

Economy & Business Mexico

Transcript

Dec 10, 2025

Inside the Trump trade strategy with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer

By Atlantic Council

Greer joined the Atlantic Council to discuss the US approach to trade and tariffs in the next year.

China Mexico

New Atlanticist

Oct 31, 2025

How long can Sheinbaum keep her first-year momentum going in Mexico?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Valeria Villarreal

One year in, the Mexican president has made clear that she will not be defined by the legacy of her immediate predecessor or the actions of the US president.

Latin America Mexico

Issue Brief

Oct 30, 2025

Forging North America’s energy advantage: Mexico’s pivotal role

By Juan José Gómez-Camacho and Liliana Diaz

With its expanding natural gas sector, export capacity, and more, Mexico can strengthen North America’s energy resilience and competitiveness.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Sep 29, 2025

Drug cartels are adopting cutting-edge drone technology. Here’s how the US must adapt.

By Stephen Honan

Mexican cartels are apparently learning from Ukraine’s defense against Russia and twisting Kyiv’s example to their own illicit purposes.

Defense Technologies Drones

New Atlanticist

Sep 19, 2025

Five charts that show the challenge of countering Mexico’s criminal organizations

By Aaron Kolleda

Washington's broader campaign to eliminate criminal organizations is a challenging one, since these organizations have become so deeply embedded in Mexico.

Economy & Business Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade

New Atlanticist

Sep 5, 2025

Rubio’s visit to Mexico and Ecuador shows the need for US security cooperation runs deeper than warships in the Caribbean

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

US counternarcotics operations in the Caribbean are only one aspect of how Washington can build security ties with Latin American partners.

Conflict Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Jul 23, 2025

A terrorist designation should only be the start in weakening Mexican cartels

By Aaron Kolleda

The Trump administration’s designation of several Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations must be followed by actions that meaningfully weaken those groups.

Conflict Defense Policy

Experts