On September 22, 2026, the Inter–American Dialogue’s Mexican Program convened a discussion with the current Mexican ambassador to the United States, Roberto Lazzeri Montaño, former Mexican ambassadors to the United States Gerónimo Gutiérrez and Arturo Sarukhán, and former ambassador John D. Feeley, who served as deputy chief of mission and chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, to gain insight into the main priorities, obstacles, and opportunities President Claudia Sheinbaum has navigated during her first two years in office. The conversation highlighted the importance of the bilateral ties between the United States and Mexico and how President Sheinbaum has navigated their diplomatic challenges.
The conversation examined how far President Sheinbaum has upheld her predecessor’s policy priorities and where she has pursued a distinct approach. Participants noted that while both administrations seek to promote shared prosperity, López Obrador centered on increasing purchasing power and supporting the domestic market, while Sheinbaum has upheld these priorities and put greater weight on private investment as a driver of economic growth. Participants argued that her strategy includes greater direct engagement with the private sector, maintaining open dialogue with businesses, and drawing on their input to shape economic policy, as shown by Plan México.
The constitutional reforms enacted under Sheinbaum and their impact on Mexico’s political and economic landscape were also a central part of the conversation. Participants underscored that institutions should be assessed by how they perform in practice, rather than solely by how they are designed. Regarding investment, participants noted that judicial reform has created uncertainty, although its measurable economic impact has so far been limited.
On U.S.–Mexican relations, some shared that the relationship is undergoing a stress test. While joint efforts on security, migration, and trade continue, limited institutional capacity and responses driven by immediate pressures have hindered long–term cooperation. Participants noted that trust can be fostered through cooperation. On trade, the evolving policy environment has made negotiations complicated, even as the two countries’ production networks remain deeply integrated.
The conversation also separated the USMCA review process from negotiations on specific U.S. tariffs and trade barriers. Participants indicated that easing barriers, such as Section 232 tariffs, could place Mexico in a stronger position, even as the outlook for economic ties remains uncertain and dependent on developments in politics and security. On foreign investment, including from China, the conversation portrayed Mexico as broadly receptive to investment that generates jobs, creates economic value, and introduces new technology.
Across trade, migration, and security, participants emphasized that Mexico’s approach has been shaped in response to U.S. pressure to an extent. They called on Mexico to articulate more clearly how its own priorities can serve the interests of both countries and deliver tangible benefits to the United States. At the same time, participants noted that Mexico’s efforts to combat organized crime also reflect important domestic security priorities. Financial investigations, intelligence sharing, extraditions, and interagency collaboration were identified as key areas of bilateral cooperation, although some participants argued that current efforts still fall short of the sustained institutional cooperation they would like to see restored. The discussion identified security as a defining challenge for the broader relationship, particularly in the context of organized crime and the possibility of U.S. action undertaken without Mexico’s involvement. On migration, participants called for legal migration pathways tailored to sectors experiencing labor shortages and acknowledged the important contribution of migrant labor to regional economies.
Looking ahead, participants reflected on the uncertain trajectory of U.S.Mexico relations and the extent to which Mexico has tended to respond reactively to U.S. demands on migration, trade, and security. They stressed the importance of developing a clearer understanding of U.S. policymaking and of presenting Mexico’s priorities in terms of shared U.S.–Mexico interests, while more clearly demonstrating the tangible value that Mexico brings to the partnership. Sustained dialogue was viewed as essential to managing tensions, preserving channels of cooperation, and reinforcing the broader bilateral relationship.
This event was by invitation only.
