It is very simple. Until the U.S. is as optimally invested, or doing business as briskly as the Chinese, the EU, Indians, Brazilians or Vietnamese; the world’s largest economy can neither expand its commercial footprint in Africa nor make a portentous impact on the lives of over a billion Africans. more

This paper is specifically about providing suggestions for positions the AU can take vis-a-vis the European Union’s Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Central is an urgent call for member states to give the AU latitude to ensure that the conclusion of EPAs with the EU is postponed until, at least, the next decade. Simply: If the EU successfully foists EPAs on a critical number of member states through unilateral threats to prematurely withdraw or limit preferential treatment, the negative consequences will be devastating not only to Africa but to many trading partners. more

The book consists of seven short chapters. The first positions Mexico as a fundamental issue for the United States. The second delves into the origins of the country’s current situation and choices. The third analyzes the conundrum of the nation’s politics. The fourth describes the process of decentralization that overtook the country in recent decades and what that entails for decision making. The fifth explores the economy, where it comes from and how it has performed, as well as its current dilemmas. The sixth examines the issue of security and its complexity. The book ends with a few thoughts on the stakes and opportunities looking toward the future. more

Washington, D.C.: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars; Kennan Institute Occasional Paper Series #67, 1979. PDF 41 pages. more