Introduction
Forty years have passed since Alan Riding, a British journalist and economist, published “Distant Neighbors,” an essential book on the relationship between Mexico and the United States. The book, based on a sociocultural foundation of Mexico, offers a stark yet realistic portrayal of the country in an environment dominated by appearances and political correctness. The book, now re-released with a prologue by Jorge Castañeda, remains a classic.
Alan Riding’s Background and Experience
Riding lived in Mexico for 13 years, serving as a correspondent for The Financial Times, The New York Times, and The Economist. His deep understanding of Mexico’s sociocultural landscape is evident in his work.
Interview Highlights
On Mexico’s Foreign Policy Principles
Question: You wrote about Mexico’s foreign policy principles being “more than mere legal abstractions.” Why invoke these principles when AMLO and Sheinbaum avoid intervention in Cuba, Venezuela, yet support it in Peru, Bolivia, or Spain?
Answer: Mexico’s vulnerability necessitates appearing independent from a powerful neighbor like the United States. For instance, during Luis Echeverria’s tenure, Mexico sought global leadership by supporting a UN resolution equating Zionism with Nazism, causing an explosive reaction in the U.S., including a tourism boycott. Mexico has historically attempted independent stances on issues like Cuba, Central America, and the Iraq invasion, where it did not support the second U.S. resolution.
On AMLO’s Relationship with Trump
Question: What were your thoughts when AMLO embraced and thanked Trump for treating Mexicans well?
Answer: It demonstrated the cynicism of both López Obrador and Trump. Sometimes, dealing with a figure like Trump in the White House requires making compromises. At that moment, it served AMLO’s interests. Politicians often have to take uncomfortable measures.
On Democracy and Trump’s Desmantling of Democratic Structures
Question: Trump and AMLO interpreted democracy differently. It seems the White House no longer promotes democracy globally.
Answer: Trump has only three years left in office. He shares similarities with AMLO, as both are dismantling democratic structures—judge independence and constitutional abuse. After Morena’s congressional victory, AMLO had a month of absolute power, which he failed to utilize, instead passing the responsibility to Sheinbaum through a simple note: the judicial reform.
On Sheinbaum and AMLO’s Relationships with Trump
Question: Are there differences in how Sheinbaum and AMLO have handled their relationships with Trump?
Answer: AMLO managed a non-confrontational relationship with Trump, and Sheinbaum has achieved the same. Both have made public and private concessions. The goal is not to anger the powerful. The cost of defiance would be too high.
On Mexico’s Shift from Moscú to Beijing
Question: In “Distant Neighbors,” you wrote, “Mexico accepts its alignment with Washington in any confrontation with Moscow but refuses to view Latin American problems within an East-West context.” How does this apply today with Beijing?
Answer: Mexico’s recent tariff imposition on China is a result of U.S. pressure, or at least an attempt to please the United States. Mexico’s role in Latin America, such as during Chile’s Salvador Allende era, shows instances where Mexico could take a more independent stance. With China, Mexico must avoid being crushed between the two powers.
On Mexico’s Dependence on the U.S.
Question: If we removed the sovereignty/nationalism component, how dependent is Mexico on the U.S., potentially becoming a hypothetical 51st state?
Answer: Without a vote and limited influence, Mexico relies on the U.S. The integration initiatives, such as the TLC and T-MEC, have complicated the relationship. Crime organizations open the door to increased U.S. intervention.
On Mexico’s Foreign Service Appointments
Question: Have AMLO’s appointments of numerous inexperienced Mexican ambassadors weakened the Foreign Affairs institution?
Answer: Yes, they have weakened the institution (SRE), which previously had history, independence, and education. These aspects were not of interest to López Obrador.
On the Best Understanding of the U.S. by a Mexican Foreign Secretary
Question: Who has best understood the U.S. among Mexican foreign secretaries?
Answer: Jorge G. Castañeda.
