The United States and Mexico share a 2,000-mile border that, to date, has been one of the most peaceful and successful border relationships in the world. Recent negative rhetoric ignores the deep connections between Mexico and the United States and reflects a worldview inconsistent with the reality experienced in Southern California.

As part of North America, the United States and Mexico share deep cultural, linguistic, and often familial ties, plus common domestic and foreign policy priorities such as energy security, the environment, and public health. There is an urgent need for civil society to step up and promote continued U.S.-Mexico collaboration. In this spirit, the Pacific Council seeks to take an approach to Mexico that reflects our geography, identity, and appreciation for the long-term international policy interests of the United States.

The Mexico Initiative seeks to provide a distinctly West Coast perspective where our ties with Mexico are a part of daily life. Our initiative is educational in order to increase understanding of these realities, and also an effort in public diplomacy, seeking to maintain close ties and cooperation between Southern California and partners in Mexico, regardless of the dialogue at the national level. Under the auspices of the Mexico Initiative, chaired by the Honorable Michael C. Camuñez, the Pacific Council holds events, produces analysis and commentary, and fosters exchange with Mexican leaders.