On Wednesday, June 10, at 8 am PT, the Pacific Council will host a breakfast roundtable on U.S.–Mexico relations and the future of the bilateral partnership. The conversation will explore Mexico's "Fourth Transformation" (4T) government and how its domestic political vision shapes the country's approach to the United States. As a political and social project aimed at combating corruption, reducing inequality, and challenging neoliberal policies, the 4T has significant implications for Mexico's foreign policy and engagement with Washington.

Particular attention will be given to how the U.S.–Mexico relationship has evolved during the Trump administration, with a focus on trade, security, and migration, as well as the broader implications for future bilateral cooperation. Attendees will hear from Dr. Pamela K. Starr, Professor of the Practice of International Relations and Public Diplomacy at the University of Southern California.

Why it's important:

• Trade under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement continues to anchor the partnership between the U.S. and Mexico, with economic ties being "central to the bilateral agenda." However, issues such as organized crime, migration flows, and the rule of law continue to test the bilateral relationship.
• President Claudia Sheinbaum called for an explanation after two U.S. officials and two Mexican officials died following an anti-narcotics operation in Chihuahua. Beyond the immediate tragedy, the controversy could shape future discussions around intelligence sharing, joint operations, and the political boundaries of bilateral security cooperation.

In April 2026, hundreds of migrants, many from Haiti, departed Tapachula in a caravan. Unlike past groups, many said their goal is no longer the U.S. border but resettlement in Mexican cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey, or Tijuana.

Seats are limited. Event location to be shared following registration. 

If you are interested in registering, please email events@pacificcouncil.org.

Guest Speaker

Dr. Pamela K. Starr (Ph.D., University of Southern California, 1993) is a Professor of the Practice of International Relations and Public Diplomacy at the University of Southern California.  She is also a Senior Advisor at Monarch Global Strategies.  She was previously a senior Latin America analyst at the Eurasia Group, where she led the Mexico practice.  Prior to joining the Eurasia Group, she was a professor of Latin American political economy at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM) in Mexico City for eight years (1997-2005).  

Dr. Starr has a deep understanding of Mexico – its politics, policymaking, institutional structure, macro-economy, and culture – and US-Mexico relations.  This knowledge is reflected in numerous articles, book chapters, and policy reports on Mexico and its relations with the United States.  Dr. Starr is the author of a book introducing Mexico to foreign audiences, “The Making of Mexico: Revolution, Reform and Transformation” (Polity 2026).  

Dr. Starr has advised the U.S. State Department, including the Embassy in Mexico City, on Mexican politics and economics, as well as the bilateral relationship. She has also advised senior politicians on both sides of the border, including the US Secretary of State and Mexican Foreign Minister, several US Ambassadors to Mexico, and Assistant Secretaries of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs. She has also testified before Congress.

 

Seats are limited. Event location to be shared following registration. 

If you are interested in registering, please email events@pacificcouncil.org.