The Hard Country

Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo discuss Mexico’s concessions on border security in response to President Trump’s tariff threats. They also shine a spotlight on the corrupt Mexican state-cartel alliance, cover the latest border clash at Fronton Island, and break down new Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s “Americas First” foreign policy approach.

Sources referenced in the episode:

The Trump Administration Unabashedly Embraces the Monroe Doctrine

Marco Rubio: An Americas First Foreign Policy

It’s Time To Start Treating Mexico Like A Hostile Foreign Power

Trump’s Tariffs Would Reverse Decades of Integration Between U.S. and Mexico

Cartels Use Children As Pawns When Democrats Play Games With The Border

McAllen Police Department statement

Yes, There Is a Mexican State-Cartel Alliance

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 Melissa Ford of the Texas Public Policy Foundation discuss U.S.-Mexico relations, border security, and some Texas history.