Book review of Two Nations Indivisible.

1. MARTINEZ
Two Nations Indivisible (Mexico the US and the road ahead).
Mexico and the United States relationship had been arm’s-length ever since the war that
occurred in 1846-1848. In Shannon O’Neil’s book titled Two Nations Indivisible she
meticulously explain the political, economic and social transformation giving reliable
information why Mexico is key to the U.S economy. O’Neil’s argues that the U.S strategy to
create a barricade or a wall (literally and figuratively) to block the Mexicans is wrong. She
constructed seven well-written chapters with credible data and placed a huge emphasis on her
reason behind her notion that the expansion of bilateral ties should be priority for both nations.
O’Neil correctly explains that the U.S-Mexico relationship should be strengthened and a better
policy should be in place. This review will discuss her salient points.
According to O’Neil, the economy of Mexico is gradually rising, but the war on drugs is
affecting the country and the U.S-Mexico relationship could be stronger. She developed an
interest in Mexico after noticing corruption and organized crime while working in the banking
sector. This then gave her insight on the relationship of the contiguous countries. She highlights
incidences whereby the Mexican government misuses public funds specifically benefit the
politicians and upper class. Consequently, this then stifles the farmers who did not received their
subsidiaries. She found out that inequality was a huge aspect, but Mexico also has a poverty
alleviation plan; the Mexican government does aid those who live in extreme poverty.

2. MARTINEZ
The security of Mexico is of huge concern because the drug cartels are responsible for a
significant amount of heinous crimes that had occurred. She mentioned that some members of
the Mexican government participated in criminal activity associated with the cartels. In one of
her chapter, O’Neil explains that Mexican students were massacred for their political beliefs by
the authoritarian Partido Revolucionario Instituciona (PRI) government. Despite the crime in
Mexico, the economy has seen drastic improvement. On the other hand, security has not changed
and the author questions the possibility that the violence in Mexico could turn the country into a
Narco-State; therefore, the drug war could be detrimental to its economy. She also pointed out
that the weak infrastructure and education system affects Mexico’s ability to compete with first
world countries.
With that said, the author believes that a new approach is needed from the US with their
neighbors to balance the trade for both countries. O’Neil mentioned that the real story about
Mexico is the economic, political, and social transformation led by the rising middle class and
several other organizations who worked arduously to change their country. The view that what is
occurring in Mexico is vital for the U.S both the economic and socially is not only supported by
O’Neil’s but also Robert Pastor who conducted several studies in Mexico from 1994-2001.
O’Neil did an excellent job describing the U.S-Mexico economic, political and social
relationship what she believes both countries could implement for future policy. For those who
would like to expand their knowledge on the U.S-Mexico relationship one would strongly
recommended O’Neil’s book. However, one should be mindful that the war on drugs already
reaches the U.S border and could get worse. Finally, the government of Mexico must first be
transparent and corruption free; this will then aid their nation in security, stability, and
prosperity.
Reviewed by CPT Kenrick Lincoln Martinez Sr.