The phrase “Mexico, so far from God and so close to the United States” is attributed to Mexican President Porfirio Díaz, who at the turn of the 20th century purportedly lamented Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. While this phrase was likely never uttered by Diaz, the sentiment was deeply felt, at least for much of the 20th century.  

The ratification of NAFTA in the 1990s ushered in a new era, transforming Mexico, the U.S. and Canada into the “Three Amigos". This panel will explore how deeply that friendship runs today.  

The relationship between the three North American partners has had its ups and downs since the 1990s, especially when NAFTA was replaced by CUSMA, but free trade is widely viewed as having been a boon to all three countries. 

There have been and will be a lot of developments, both commercial and political, in all three countries.  With one election complete (Mexico) and two to come, the situation across North America is very fluid.  This panel will explore these developments, how the three amigos are each dealing with them and what many are calling the “Second China Shock.” What is the outlook for CUSMA, and might the alliance be strengthened by using CUSMA as a tool to improve coordination (assuming there is political will to coordinate)?