The Hard Country

The worst crisis in U.S.-Mexico relations in a century — and it's still escalating.

Josh Treviño, author of the upcoming Spectator World cover story "Mexican Standoff," joins Ariana Guajardo to break down how the U.S.-Mexico relationship went from cautious optimism to full-blown crisis in a matter of weeks.

The deaths of two CIA officers in Chihuahua. The indictments of a sitting Sinaloa governor and senator. A ruling party with deep ties to the cartels it was supposed to fight. And a president who once had a reputation for diplomatic deftness — now scrambling to hold her coalition together.

In this episode, Josh and Ariana unpack the concept of soberanía and why it functions more as political cover than real principle, how the Morena party's ties to the Sinaloa cartel have shaped Mexican governance for decades, why the recent indictments are only the opening move in a much longer escalation, what tools the U.S. still hasn't used yet, and why AMLO's son just quietly maneuvered to seek legislative immunity.
Mexico can still step off the escalator. The question is whether anyone in Palacio Nacional has the statecraft to do it.

Look for Josh Treviño's full piece, Mexican Standoff, in the upcoming June 8th print edition of The Spectator World. The Hard Country is produced by the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Creators and Guests

Host
Ariana Guajardo
Ariana Guajardo is a videographer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation with a passion for video editing and graphic animation. Ariana was originally born in Austin, but spent most of her life in the Rio Grande Valley.
Host
Joshua Treviño
Joshua S. Treviño is the Chief of Intelligence and Research at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, in which role he explores pathways for future Foundation action and develops forecasts for Texas and the nation. Prior to his service as CIO, he was vice president of strategy at the Illinois Policy Institute in Chicago and a United States Army officer.

What is The Hard Country?

Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo of the Texas Public Policy Foundation discuss U.S.-Mexico relations, border security, and some Texas history.