An Evening with Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhán June 26, 2009

A Zócalo/ University of Guadalajara at Los Angeles/ Music Center Event

Moderated by Pamela Starr, Director of the U.S.-Mexico Network at USC
Mexico and the United States share a centuries-long history, a dynamic border region and a vibrant economic relationship. The interconnectedness of the U.S. and Mexican economies is undeniable. When the North American Free Trade Agreement was implemented on January 1, 1994, the two neighbors, along with Canada, created one of the world's richest and largest trading blocs. Mexican-Americans are an influential and prominent part of U.S. society and presidents of both countries have encouraged good neighborly relations. But the flow of undocumented immigrants from Mexico has provoked sharp controversy, prompting the U.S. to fortify its southern border and crack down on workers and employers as lawmakers in Washington stalemate on comprehensive immigration reform. Unprecedented bilateral cooperation on border security and intelligence since 9/11 has been overshadowed by the struggle both countries are waging against drug-related crime as Mexico in particular leads an intense fight against organized crime. In the early 21st century, Mexico and U.S. are as important to one another as ever before. At a time when greater collaboration is vital, Arturo Sarukhán, Ambassador of Mexico, visits Zócalo to examine this unique relationship and discuss shared challenges and opportunities of the future.

Zócalo Public Square is a non-profit organization that builds community by broadening access to civic discourse. We present smart ideas in an open, welcoming, non-partisan, multi-ethnic space. Zócalo launched in Los Angeles in 2003. Since then the “public square” has traveled as far as Shanghai.

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Official Website: http://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/lectureseries.php?event_id=310