That was meant sarcastically - I think. President Trump has all but labelled Mexico and Canda as enemy nations. So, now might be a good time to try to get caught up on and better understand issues and events inside our two closest neighbors, largest trading partners, and long-time allies.
I think the idea here should be to focus on Mexico and Canada, not on us and our brave new foreign policy towards them. What is going on inside Mexico that is of special importance to Mexicans? In the country's politics, economic development, culture, and its long-festering social problems and challenges? The media usually focuses only on the problems that most affect Americans, like cartels/organized crime, pollution, and migration. What else matters, and where is the future of Mexico heading?
For Canada, how about the same questions? In more normal times Canada seldom gets much attention in the U.S. press. Let's play our small part to remedy that.
Check back here the week before our April 13th meeting for some optional background readings on Mexico and Canada. In our discussion, of course, we can get into Trump's foreign policies towards them and the rest of Lain America.
If you know someone with experience living in or working in Mexico or Canada, or with relevant academic background, please tell them about the World Affairs Discussion Group and point them in the right direction to sign up or just bring them as a guest yourself.
Optional Backgrounders -
- TBD.
