Earl Anthony Wayne

Earl Anthony Wayne is currently teaching as a Distinguished Diplomat in Residence at American University's School of International Service.  He is a Public Policy Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars and Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of its Mexico Institute.  Wayne is a former Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and to Argentina and a former Deputy Ambassador in Afghanistan.  He left the U.S. diplomatic corps with the rank of Career Ambassador.  Wayne is also a Senior Non-Resident Adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and at the Atlantic Council.  He serves on the Board of the American Academy of Diplomacy.  Wayne speaks, writes and consults on a range of international and management topics.

2023 - Interviews, Speeches, Talks, Podcasts, Panels, and similar items

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Interview: What is the significance of the UK and the US agreeing on an Atlantic Declaration

45 minute interview with UK and Chinese experts on "The Link" TV program, Al Sharq TV: https://now.asharq.com/program/5/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B7/1666739/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%87%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%B2-%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B4%D9%86%D8%B7%D9%86-%D9%88%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%86-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%B3

Interview VOA Pashto: نړیواله ټولنه له طالبانو د دوي د چلند له امله خپه ده – ارل انتوني وېن Donors Hesitant to Give More Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan because of Taliban Policies

تېره اونۍ، د امریکا نولسو جمهوري غوښتونکو سناتورانو پر طالبانو د نويو بندیزونو لپاره یوه نوي قانوني لایحه وړاندیز کړه. په افغانستان کې د امریکا پخواني سفیر ارل انتوني وین امریکاغږ ته ویلي چې په امریکا او د اروپايي ټولنې هیوادونو کې د طالبانو د چلند په اړه د ژور خپګان له امله، تر اوسه د افغانستان سره د مرستو لپاره د ملګرو ملتونو سره کمې مرستې شوي. انتوني وین د دې پوښتنې په ځواب کې چې ولې اوس جمهوري غوښتونکو سناتورانو پر طالبانو د تازه بندیزونو غوښتنه کړي ویلي Ambassador @EAnthonyWayne told me that the world is unhappy with the Taliban’s behavior, and donors are hesitant to respond positively to the @UN financial appeal for #afghanistan . @VOAPashto د امریکاغږ پښتو یوټیوب چینل سره یوځای شئ او د ورځنیو مهمو خبرونو تر څنگ د افغانستان او نړۍ له گوټ گوټ څخه ځانگړي ویدیویي راپورونه وگورئ. د امریکا غږ پښتو ویبپاڼې، فیسبوک، ټویټر او انستگرام کې هم په لاندې لینکونو له مونږ سره مل شئ. Subscribe to VOA Pashto’s YouTube channel for daily news, feature reports, interviews and many more on Afghanistan and the world. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the following addresses. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voapashto Twitter: https://twitter.com/VOAPashto Instagram: https://instagram.com/voa_pashto

Speech: The US-Mexico Relationship: A Conversation w/ the Honorable Earl Anthony Wayne, Frm Amb to Mexico

May 31, 2023 The United States and Mexico are going through a challenging period, with disagreements on the implementation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the effects of crime, violence and drug trafficking in both countries. The two nations are also experiencing lower levels of cooperation on public safety and security, increased levels of irregular migration, diverging foreign policy positions toward autocratic countries in Latin America and growing tensions over the erosion of democracy in Mexico. Yet economic and commercial integration continues apace, and the world’s geopolitical conditions present new opportunities for further cooperation — if U.S. and Mexican leaders choose to act. At this event, the Honorable Earl Anthony Wayne, who served as U.S. ambassador to Mexico from 2011-2015, will examine the complex challenges and opportunities to come between now and 2025 — when both countries will likely be under new leadership. He will also survey the troubling aspects of the current U.S.-Mexico relationship and discuss the prospects for a better bilateral rapport ahead. This is the fifth event in the Mexico 2025 and Beyond Initiative, which seeks to envision the post-López Obrador era. Welcome Tony Payan, Ph.D. Françoise and Edward Djerejian Fellow for Mexico Studies; Director, Center for the United States and Mexico Introduction The Honorable David M. Satterfield Director, Baker Institute and Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East; Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy Featured Speaker The Honorable Earl Anthony Wayne is currently teaching as a distinguished diplomat in residence at American University's School of International Service. He is a public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars and co-chair of the advisory board of its Mexico Institute. Wayne is a former assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs, a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and to Argentina and a former deputy ambassador in Afghanistan. He left the U.S. diplomatic corps with the rank of career ambassador. Wayne is also a senior non-resident adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and at the Atlantic Council. He serves on the Board of the American Academy of Diplomacy. Wayne speaks, writes and consults on a range of international and management topics. Follow the Baker Institute on social media Twitter ►► https://twitter.com/BakerInstitute Facebook ►► https://www.facebook.com/BakerInstitute LinkedIn ►► https://bit.ly/LinkedIn-BakerInstitute About the Baker Institute The Baker Institute is a nonpartisan public policy institute at Rice University. Ranked the No. 1 university-based think tank in the world, its mission is to bridge the world of ideas and the world of action. Visit our website to learn more: https://www.bakerinstitute.org/.

Interview: U.S. and Mexico push billions for ports of entry

Amid a chaotic flow of migrants to the southern border, the United States and Mexico are pushing forward with an aggressive investment into the international ports of entry along the nearly 2,000 miles of their shared boundary. The southern border – a complex network of more than 44 active ports that facilitate the world’s largest number of international crossings – has a massive impact on both nations’ economies. With trade between the two countries exceeding $1 million each minute, July 2022 alone saw “more than $53 billion crossing the southern border via trucks and trains,” according to a 2022 nonpartisan study by The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center. As industries emerge from the crippling effects of the 19-month COVID-19 shutdown of the border, border experts are encouraged by the steps taken by both federal governments to invest in international ports of entry.

Panel Moderator: U.S. Public Diplomacy in Central America

On April 25th, The American Academy of Diplomacy held a panel discussion on US Public Diplomacy in Central America. AAD intern Bob Greenbaum, a Master's student at American University, organized the virtual discussion which centered around how to effectively use U.S. Public Diplomacy to better promote US objectives in Central America. The panel was moderated by Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne and featured Ambassador Luis Arreaga, Ambassador Liliana Ayalde, and Mr. Mark L. Schneider, former senior USAID official and Peace Corps Director.

Panel: Revitalizing American Commercial Diplomacy

With 95 percent of the world’s consumers and over 80 percent of global purchasing power lying outside the United States and an expanding field of competitors such as Europe, Canada, China, and other economies, the United States must step up its commercial diplomacy efforts if it is to remain competitive. Commercial diplomacy – coordinated efforts to help American companies successfully market their goods and services abroad has three significant benefits for the United States. It facilitates U.S. exports, which contribute to jobs and growth domestically. It helps create global awareness of the high quality of our goods and services and opens doors to expanded economic cooperation. Finally, it is an important element of “soft power” which helps promote American values and geopolitical interests in other countries. We are, however, hardly the only player on the field. China, for example, now fields the largest diplomatic network in the world, giving its businesses a competitive edge over the U.S. private sector. If the Biden administration is to achieve its goal of reinvigorating American partnerships and alliances, it must revitalize its outreach efforts. Commercial diplomacy efforts support specific “deals” in other countries and if used effectively, could work to change or eliminate country-specific regulations and other barriers to U.S. exports and commercial ventures. Success ensures that U.S. companies and industries can successfully engage in foreign markets. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, in partnership with the American Academy of Diplomacy (AAD), is pleased to present the Revitalizing American Commercial Diplomacy Conference. The conference will highlight the importance of commercial diplomacy, discuss whether the Biden administration is meeting the challenge of upgrading our efforts, and recommend additional actions the U.S. can take. Speakers will summarize main points of the conference. This event is made possible through generous funding from the American Academy for Diplomacy. --------------------------------------------- A nonpartisan institution, CSIS is the top national security think tank in the world. Visit www.csis.org to find more of our work as we bring bipartisan solutions to the world's greatest challenges. Want to see more videos and virtual events? Subscribe to this channel and turn on notifications: https://cs.is/2dCfTve Follow CSIS on: • Twitter: www.twitter.com/csis • Facebook: www.facebook.com/CSIS.org • Instagram: www.instagram.com/csis/

Panel Talk: Students to Ambassadors: A Celebration of the U.S-Mexico Relationship at 200 - Full Event Recording

On March 21st, 2023, Onero had the privilege of hosting "Students to Ambassadors: A Celebration of the U.S-Mexico Relationship at 200" in the Jack Morton Auditorium at The George Washington University. The event featured a group of leaders in the field of U.S-Mexico relations, including Esteban Moctezuma, Incumbent Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S, Earl Anthony Wayne, Former Ambassador of the U.S to Mexico, John Feeley, Former Ambassador of the U.S to Panama, and Geronimo Gutierrez, Former Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S. The panelists held a insightful discussion about the nature of U.S-Mexico relations, as well as what relations could look like in the future. The event was also a celebration of Onero's brand-new Latin America and Caribbean Program.

Interview/Panel: Biden in Canada: What to Expect

I moderate a panel discussing the big and important agenda for Biden's Visit to Canada and our "intermestic" relationship. After my introduction, we explore the bilateral agenda and work ahead in a wide-ranging conversation. Ahead of President Joe Biden's visit to Canada to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on March 23, former ambassadors and experts discussed key issues for the bilateral relationship between the United States and Canada in a virtual event organized by Americas Society/Council of the Americas and the Woodrow Wilson Center. Canada is the United States' top foreign energy supplier and a top trade partner. Though headlines about the trip have focused on potential conversations about Ukraine and the environment, Biden's trip to Canada could take different direction; panelists highlighted that potential bilateral topics could include crucial industry sectors, opportunity for collaboration, and tough diplomacy spots. "You can't do growth and prosperity if you haven't got defense and security right," said Canadian Global Affairs Institute's Colin Robertson, talking about how Ukraine and other crisis such as Haiti can influence the two leaders' meetings. Business Council of Canada's Louise Blais talked about the potential the countries have to partner in a transition to the green economy, considering heightened focus on natural resources and critical minerals for new industries. But she also reminded the audience that "Canada will require investment and assistance in development." AS/COA's Eric Farnsworth stressed that the two leaders need to bear in mind how much the economies are intertwined and that both countries' strategy should focus on mutual success. Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Gordon Giffin discussed the importance of commitments the United States and Canada have to partners around the world. Speakers: - Louise Blais, former United Nations Deputy Permanent Representative, Canada; Senior Advisor, Business Council of Canada - Gordon Giffin, Partner, Dentons, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada - Colin Robertson, former Canadian diplomat, and Fellow, Canadian Global Affairs Institute - Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas - Earl Anthony (Tony) Wayne, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and business affairs, former Ambassador to Mexico (moderator) Learn more: https://www.as-coa.org/events/biden-canada-what-expect Further reading: "Canada Shouldn't be an Afterthought" by Eric Farnsworth for Barron's. https://www.as-coa.org/articles/canada-shouldnt-be-afterthought Sign up for AS/COA’s newsletter on news from across the hemisphere, El Chasqui: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/el-chasqui-newsletter-get-latin-american-scoop Subscribe to AS/COA's Latin America in Focus podcast: https://wavve.link/latamfocuspodcast Subscribe to AS/COA's Youtube channel:: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQY_JETANx9mbvkXxS-TeFg Follow us on social media: Twitter: @ASCOA Instagram: @ascoa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ascoaonline/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASCOA/

Interview/panel:Biden Embarks on First Presidential Visit to Canada

I moderated and co-organized a panel on the visit sponsored by the Council of the Americas and the Wilson Center: President Joe Biden has a number of critical issues to discuss with his Canadian counterpart when he makes his first presidential visit to Ottawa, the White House says. These include national security concerns, climate change, trade, migration, the conflict in Ukraine and unrest in Haiti. Biden was set to leave Thursday for a one-night visit to Canada’s capital, where he will meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and address parliament on Friday. While there, Biden will discuss “taking concre
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2023 - Articles

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Article: The USMCA Trade Pact Can Ensure North America’s Success, if We Settle a Few Disputes

In 2022, trade between the United States, Mexico and Canada amounted to over $1.5 trillion, or close to $3 million per minute. This milestone underscores a remarkable double-digit growth over the past two years, and so far, Mexico and Canada remain the U.S.’s top trading partners. Moreover, the three countries currently account for almost a third of global GDP, with intra-regional goods commerce alone supporting a staggering 9.5 million or more jobs across North America. Nevertheless, to sustai

Book Review: The International Relations of California and Texas with Mexico and the World: Cali-Tex-Mex

"U.S.-Mexico relations impact the daily lives of more Americans than any other bilateral relationship in the world, and Texas and California are the quintessential examples of the deeply interconnected, vitally important and often challenging relationship between the United States and its southern neighbor. This new book provides a collection of well researched, solidly argued and genuinely insightful chapters exploring the multifaceted relations between Mexico and the United States through the lens of the too often neglected subnational or substate connections that tie Texas and California to Mexico and vice versa. The reader comes to understand the opportunities and serious challenges that characterize ties between the two neighbors through the invaluable lens of these cross-border, sub-federal relationships. The impressive collection of authors gives the reader penetrating looks at the place of these two states in the United States and explore each state's economic, political, social, cultural and historic ties to Mexico. The book also astutely penetrates, dissects, and explains Mexico's efforts to engage with California and Texas to deepen relations with these two vital political and economic subnational U.S. actors as well as to care for the sizable Mexican communities in each state. As a result, the reader can see with much more understanding and clarity the indispensable relationship between these neighbors, going far beyond the day to day headlines. One comes to understand much more concretely the essential diplomacy, problem-solving and relationship-building that take place at the subnational and local levels especially between neighbors. This book provides a fresh, eye-opening, deep understanding of how important these ties are and will remain." Earl Anthony (Tony) Wayne Career Ambassador (ret) and Distinguished Diplomat in Residence, School of International Service, American University

Report: The Impact of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act on Global Clean Energy Supply Chains by AU Diplomacy Lab team

On August 16, 2022 the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was passed into law, representing the single largest piece of legislation passed by the United States to combat climate change. The IRA contains some $370 billion in new spending designed to ensure the U.S. remains the global leader in clean energy technology, manufacturing, and innovation through a series of tax incentives and investment initiatives designed to boost supply and demand for clean energy, in alignment with U.S. national security considerations. The passage of the IRA has already prompted strategic shifts among private actors in the clean energy space as firms mobilize to take advantage of provisions within the legislation. However, U.S. allies and partners in Europe and Asia have criticized the legislation for its emphasis on domestic production and free trade provisions. This report examines the IRA's provisions, the IRA's current and potential effects on clean energy supply chains, key international responses, and provides policy recommendations to the Department of State’s Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR). The report and recommendations were produced by American University (AU) student researchers Sean Church, Nathaniel Laske, David Leschiner, Nathan Simmons, Sophie Verhalen, and Margaret Willis. They worked under the supervision of Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne at AU's School of International Service in the framework of the State Department’s Diplomacy Lab program.

Article: Countering Fentanyl Smuggling through Binational Efforts - Pulse News Mexico

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico U.S.-Mexico relations face a series of serious challenges at present, but one stands out because of the breadth of damage it is causing in both countries: the cross-border trafficking of fentanyl and related synthetic opioids. U.S. and Mexican security officials will meet this week to seek common ground, following weeks of debate in the United States and between both countries about how to improve cooperation. Progress is urgently needed.

Article: Get Tougher on Fentanyl and Trying to Bolster US-Mexico Anti-Crime Collaboration

US-Mexico relations face serious challenges at present which spanning issues from trade and migration to border violence and drug trafficking. But the most dangerous threats surround the trafficking of synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, to the US and the violence and corruption that this trafficking fuels around production and supply routes in Mexico. The US and Mexico have been discussing improved cooperation against fentanyl in recent days, but it is not yet clear what may emerge. The

Article: How Is the Opioid Crisis Affecting U.S.-Mexico Ties?, Latin America Advisor 2023-03-30

Happy to join Arturo Sarukhan, Vanda Felbab-Brown and WOLA's Stephanie Brewer with short answers about tackling Fentanyl with Mexico. US-Mexico relations face serious challenges spanning issues from trade and migration to border violence and drug trafficking. But the most dangerous threats surround trafficking synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and the violence trafficking fuels in Mexico. The US should press urgently for an urgent high-level agreement to produce more effective US-Mexico security cooperation with measurable progress on fentanyl and other problems including illicit arms and money flows.

Article: How Is the Opioid Crisis Affecting U.S.-Mexico Ties?

US-Mexico relations face serious challenges spanning issues from trade and migration to border violence and drug trafficking. But the most dangerous threats surround trafficking synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, and the violence trafficking fuels in Mexico. The US should press urgently for an urgent high-level agreement to produce more effective US-Mexico security cooperation with measurable progress on fentanyl and other problems including illicit arms and money flows. Very pleased to join Arturo Sarukhan, Vanda Felbab-Brown and WOLA's Stephanie Brewer with short comments about tackling Fentanyl with Mexico.

Article: Mexico’s Democracy Matters — to Mexico and the US - Pulse News Mexico

In recent weeks, Mexico and the United States have clashed publicly on issues ranging from the strength of democracy and public safety in each country, to addressing deadly fentanyl smuggling from Mexico, human rights in Mexico and bilateral trade and investment issues. Each of these topics deserves in-depth attention, given the vital importance of the two neighboring countries to each other, and each topic’s inherent significance and challenge for U.S.-Mexico relations. Of particular import,

Article: Mexico’s democracy matters — to Mexico and America

Mexico is in the midst of a serious debate about the future of its democracy. The United States should pay close attention — perhaps even more so because it continues to debate the functioning of U.S. democracy. Many on both sides of the border are sounding alarms, concerned that new reforms to Mexico’s National Electoral Institute will weaken Mexico’s ability to ensure the quality and integrity of elections and will have a big impact on the quality of Mexico’s democracy. The final decisions a

Article: Getting the Private Sector to Invest in Ukraine's Reconstruction

When the Donor Coordination Platform next convenes in March, the agenda must include identifying ways to mobilize Ukrainian and international companies to support the reconstruction effort — for example, by establishing a private-sector advisory board for the Donor Coordination Platform. Humanitarian aid and direct government budgetary support are rightly the short-term priorities of today’s civil assistance to Ukraine. Along with military equipment and training for Ukraine’s armed forces, this aid must continue for Ukraine to survive the winter. But it will take more than government aid alone to rebuild Ukraine’s economy. The private sector can make a substantial contribution to this rebuilding campaign.

Article: How to get the private sector involved in reconstructing Ukraine

It’s not “charity,” but an investment in a future of peace and freedom. That’s how President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described US support for Ukraine during his powerful speech to a joint session of Congress in December. Nine days earlier, in a statement following their virtual meeting with Zelenskyy, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) similarly highlighted this theme of investing in Ukraine for the long term, including encouraging “private sector led growth” in plans for Ukraine’s post-war econ

Article: The 2023 North American Leaders Summit: When the “Three Amigos” Meet in Mexico City, Building Cooperation will be Key

President Biden’s visit to the US-Mexico border and his new migration policy initiatives are important steps toward better managing the record numbers of migrants arriving at the border. However, there is a bigger North America agenda to tackle when Biden visits Mexico City on Monday and Tuesday for the 1Oth North American Leaders Summit (NALS) and bilateral meetings with his Mexican and Canadian counterparts. Migration will be a key item in Mexico City. Better US-Mexico cooperation is essentia

Article: When Three Amigos Meet, Friendly Cooperation Will Be Key - Pulse News Mexico

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico President Joe Biden’s visit to the U.S.-Mexico border on Sunday, Jan. 8, and his new migration policy initiatives were important steps toward better managing the record numbers of migrants arriving at the border. However, there is a bigger North American agenda to tackle during the 10th North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS), often referred to as the Three Amigos Summit, and the bilateral meetings with his Mexican and Canadian counterparts

Podcast: American Diplomat: It Could Have Been a Lot Worse - 2022

Ambassador Tony Wayne is back with a survey of trends, remaining challenges and reasons for optimism as we move from 2022 into 2023. Trends include increased connectedness between domestic and international politics, ecomonmic localism and democractic backsliding, but we've also seen Western partnerships rally and revive, and we've seen heroes of many stripes, not least of whom is the great Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. Cheers to 2023!

2022 Articles

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Interview: Biden in Mexico: Crises on the agenda, but opportunity is in the air

As Joe Biden visits Mexico City Monday – the first foray by a U.S. president to the southern neighbor in nearly a decade – the prevailing perception of the U.S.-Mexico relationship is one of crisis, dysfunction, and danger. The U.S.-Mexico border is the locus of a chaotic influx of migrants from across the Americas that shows no signs of abating. The opioid crisis that led to more than 100,000 American deaths last year is fueled by cheap pharmaceuticals like fentanyl smuggled north by Mexico’s

Article: North America: Largest Commercial Partners and Growing

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico North America is still the commercial dynamo for the United States, Mexico and Canada with $3 million per minute in goods traded between the United States and its two neighbors in the first nine months of 2022. Canada and Mexico are the top two U.S. trade partners, together accounting for more than twice what the U.S. trades with China. North American trade is growing at double digits within the framework of the United States-Mexico-Canad

Article (short): By the numbers: The global economy in 2022

As this year began, many experts predicted inflation would be transitory, Europe’s recovery would be stronger than the United States’, and China would return to strong growth. Then inflation soared and Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine—fueling an energy crisis in Europe and food price shocks around the world. Meanwhile, China’s zero-COVID policy chained its economy. To make sense of a shocking year for the global economy, our GeoEconomics Center experts take you inside the numbers.

Article: In Search of a Stronger, More Unified North America

North America was trending in the midterm elections, although you may have missed it. Think about the top campaign issues in races across the country: economic recovery and job creation, inflation, the price of gasoline, immigration, border security, increasing crime and suffering in communities devastated by fentanyl and other drugs. With the exceptions of abortion and election integrity, virtually every issue that motivated voters also impacts — and is impacted by — North America. In short, r

Article: A Bicentennial Relationship Still Facing Growing Pains

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico This occasion provides a special opportunity to value how intertwined the two nations are, and how, more than ever, each country’s well-being depends on finding the best possible ways to resolve differences with the other, and to build on opportunities for mutual benefit. The Mexico-U.S. relationship is quintessentially “inter-mestic” or “inter-mestica” — which means key issues are international and domestic at the same time. The ties bet

Article: How 2022 Made History

2022 made history because of the historic, unified response among key nations to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s invasion not only signaled a direct assault on the international order in Europe and against many values cherished among democracies, but it also set off additional disruptions in global supply chains, still reeling from pandemic effects, and affecting food, fertilizer, and energy supplies, as well as fueling global inflation. Russia’s brutal assault incentivized North American, European, and Asian partners to coordinate policies and actions more closely via NATO, the G7, and US-EU collaboration. The conflict fed doubts about China’s international role after it decided to align more closely with Russia—a trend reinforced by China’s renewed threats toward Taiwan. The US and many other countries were already struggling to respond to the transformations underway in the version of globalization that had interlinked economies from north and south, east and west, for the past two decades, in rising geostrategic rivalries, and democratic backsliding at home and abroad. Russia’s invasion helped to put those challenges into a starker reality and spur cooperation. Those banding together to oppose Russia’s aggression continue to face serious challenges, as they work to fashion and sustain effective cooperation in circumstances that are severely testing domestic policy-making institutions, as well as international agreements, organizations, and problem-solving mechanisms. Thus far, however, the concerted multi-nation response to Russia’s invasion has made 2022 a historic year with the potential to be truly pivotal. Earl Anthony Wayne

Article: The Tough Job of Unlocking the USMCA’s Full Potential - Pulse News Mexico

Today, the USMCA is more important than ever for the prosperity of North America. During the USMCA’s third year, North American trade has reached over $2.6 a minute and continues to grow by double-digit percentages. This growth significantly surpasses pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, Canada and Mexico remain the United States’ top trading partners. The USMCA can also help the three North American partners to realize the benefits of reshoring and nearshoring from Asia. Many analysts have discusse

Article: Tough Work Ahead to Unlock USMCA’s Potential

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is more important than ever for the prosperity of North America. During USMCA’s third year, North American trade has reached over $2.6 a minute and continues to grow by double digit percentages. This growth significantly surpasses pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, Canada and Mexico remain the United States’ top trading partners. The USMCA provides continent-wide rules, norms, and problem-solving processes that can help the three countries to conti

Article: The need for a strong, more unified North America

North America was trending in the midterm elections, although you may have missed it. Think about the top campaign issues in races across the country: economic recovery and job creation, inflation, the price of gasoline, immigration, border security, increasing crime and suffering in communities devastated by fentanyl and other drugs. With the exceptions of abortion and election integrity, virtually every issue that motivated voters also impacts — and is impacted by — North America. In short, relations with Mexico and Canada touch the daily lives of more Americans than do ties with any other countries in the world. And with President Biden having recently returned from Asia and his first presidential face-to-face meeting with China’s Xi Jinping, we are reminded that a more unified North America is required to meet the China challenge, economically and strategically. A disunited North America is catnip for global authoritarians. A stronger, more collaborative North American strategy can strengthen the United States’s ability to compete with China and others as the global scene transforms.

Article: Doubling Down against Fentanyl, Arms, Migrant Exploitation - Pulse News Mexico

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico In October 2021, Mexico and the United States launched a “High-Level Security Dialogue” (HLSD) to step up collaboration and rebuild trust in efforts to counter deadly cross-border crime. Mexican and U.S. cabinet members just held a one-year review of those efforts. The two governments have made some good progress, but much serious work remains to effectively counter and reduce the great harm that cross-border organized crime is causing to

Article: US-Mexico Security Cooperation: Doubling Down Against Fentanyl, Arms Trafficking, Exploitation of Migrants and Illicit Money

In October 2021, Mexico and the United States launched a “High Level Security Dialogue” (HLSD) to step up collaboration and rebuild trust in efforts to counter deadly cross-border crime. Mexican and US cabinet members just held a one-year review. The two governments have made some good progress, but much serious work remains to effectively counter and reduce the great harm that cross-border organized crime is causing to communities across both countries. The challenge remains to turn agreed objectives into effective bilateral action plans and measurable outcomes. Of particular importance going forward is establishing a clear, comprehensive, multi-year strategy for reducing supplies of the deadly drug fentanyl as well as for reducing US demand for this lethal drug. The US suffered 108,000 drug overdose deaths in the latest reported yearly figures, and some 2/3 of those deaths were from synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl.

Article/Book: North America 2.0 | Forging a Continental Future

I am happy to have contributed an article on the importance of workforce development programs to this excellent new collection on how cooperation across North America can boost well being in Canada, Mexico and the United States. North America has survived a tumultuous three decades since the implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. What characterizes our shared region today? What sort of region can advance our shared interests and well-being over the next generation? This volume offers an agenda for how the region’s leaders can forge inclusive and effective strategies that ensure North America’s next decades build upon past successes—while addressing serious shortcomings.

Article: Rebuilding Bilateral Trust to Fight Cross-Border Crime - Pulse News Mexico

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico A year ago, Mexico and the United States launched a High-Level Security Dialogue (HLSD). In recognition of 200 years of bilateral relations, they agreed on a Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health and Safe Communities, with the hope of rebuilding cooperation to counter the deadly crime that harms many tens of thousands on both sides of the border. In January 2022, the two governments further agreed on a set of objectives for t

Article: A year after rebuilding trust, the US and Mexico look for progress against cross-border crime

A year ago, Mexico and the United States launched a “High-Level Security Dialogue” (HLSD). In recognition of the 200 years of bilateral relations, they agreed on a “Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health and Safe Communities,” with the hope of rebuilding cooperation to counter the deadly crime that harms many tens of thousands on both sides of the border. In January 2022, the two governments further agreed on a set of objectives for the security partnership, to cover three pillars o

Article: The USMCA Moves Past the Toddler Stage - Pulse News Mexico

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico Two years into the North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA), many challenges and opportunities for forging an Integrated North America remain. The USMCA, known in Mexico as the Tratado entre México, Estados Unidos y Canada (T-Mec), created an updated legal framework within which the private sectors in Mexico, the United States and Canada, as well as the three national governments, can address and manage a wider range of trade issues th

Article: Afghanistan -The United States Must Stay Engaged

One year after the fall of Kabul and departure of U.S. troops, the United States still has an important policy and action agenda regarding Afghanistan but with less leverage in a country suffering serious problems. Millions in Afghanistan face the dire effects of a devastating humanitarian and economic crisis. The Taliban government is focused on installing its version of an Islamic Emirate and cementing control. The new regime gives little priority to including non-Taliban Afghans or to the hu

Article: The US Must Not Forsake Afghanistan

One year after the fall of Kabul and departure of U.S. troops, the United States still has an important policy and action agenda regarding Afghanistan, but with less leverage in a country suffering serious problems. Millions in Afghanistan face the dire effects of a devastating humanitarian and economic crisis. The Taliban government is focused on installing its version of an Islamic Emirate and cementing control. The new regime gives little priority to including non-Taliban Afghans or to the h

Study: Unlocking the Potential of the USMCA

This report was done by a group of seniors at American University's School of International Service as part of the State Department's Diplomacy Laboratory program, working with retired Ambassador Wayne. Here is the Executive Summary: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or USCMA is now in its third year of implementation. Notably, trade across North America has surpassed pre-pandemic levels growing to a total of $1.26 trillion in 2021 or $2.6 million a minute.i To add perspective, a record 75% of Mexican and Canadian imports came from the US in 2021. Both countries are also the US’ largest trading partners accounting for over twice trade with China. The trade ministers and their teams are deeply engaged in a wide range of issues as was evident in the agenda for July meeting in Canada This agenda includes not only hard trade and investment issues but also how to make USMCA more inclusive of communities that are traditionally underrepresented in trade.ii USMCA has particularly won kudos from US congress for progress on use of the new Rapid Response Mechanism for Labor Complaints which has been used five times as of August 2022. Despite the good news and evident progress in the broad trade and investment relationships, there remain serious disputes and problems to work through over the months and years ahead. For example, the United States, supported by Canada, on July 20 requested consultations under USMCA over Mexico’s energy policies and related treatment of private sector investors at the expense of state-owned electricity and oil and gas enterprises. This action followed a series of private conversations where these concerns were raised. Without significant progress during the period of consultations, the US could seek creation of a dispute settlement panel and potentially win the right to sanction Mexico if does not change its policies/practices. Progress on such divisive issues and effective use of USMCA’s dispute resolution mechanisms are important to demonstrate the credibility of the agreement before the agreed review of USMCA’s performance in 2025-26.iii It is important to recall that USMCA was negotiated to address emerging challenges facing 21st century international trade and to provide a much-needed update to its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). From the increasing relevance of the digital marketplace to progressive shifts in policy toward encouraging development and training of workers, the USMCA includes provisions to help modernize the trilateral trade relationship. As USMCA enters its third year, a number of areas within the agreement are also under scrutiny with questions about enforcement or interpretation by one of the parties, and in others because of a desire to understand the effects the new agreement is having on the economies of all three countries (e.g. in the auto sector). The US, Mexican and Canadian governments have also agreed on goals that go beyond just increasing trade flows and commercial activity to include such factors as more inclusive participation in trade across North America and support for democratic labor rights practices. This signals that the metrics for measuring USMCA’s “success” will include a range of factors beyond simple trade and investment numbers, and some will likely be hard to quantify. To better unlock the potential of the USMCA, this report recommends that the governments of the United States, Mexico, and Canada take specific actions that can help strengthen trilateral commerce and improve upon some of the disputed and/or flawed aspects of the deal. One of the key challenges in implementing USMCA is accounting for the needs of the many sectors involved in North American trade and co-production and the wide array of stakeholders involved. The diversity of stakeholders and audiences impacted by USMCA, and North American commerce demands both concrete solutions to problem areas and effective public outreach by the three national governments beyond what is being done at present. The authors studied the USMCA document that entered into effect in July 2020, spoke with a range of experts and industry leaders, and analyzed a wide selection of studies and policy publications. Building on this research, the team recommends the following priorities, presented largely from a United States perspective: Digital Trade, SME Engagement, and Cybersecurity Cooperation ● Establish a North American Digital Trade Council to help coordinate and direct progress. ● Continue and increase dialogues and stakeholder outreach toward SME e-commerce development. ● Achieve SME empowerment and digital inclusion through capacity and skills development programs. ● Increase efforts to quantify and measure digital trade. ● Hold Mexico and Canada responsible for data localization violations. Labor Democracy and Workforce Development ● Track reform progress using a shared database which will support US and Canadian labor implementation assistance programs aimed at supporting Mexican reforms. ● Review and potentially revise Labor Dispute Settlement mechanisms during the USMCA 6-year review. ● Collaborate further on forced labor. ● Assemble a Forced Labor Task Force under the Labor Committee. ● Move to adopt real-time labor data collection and expanded credentialing programs by all three federal governments. Automotive Rules of Origin ● Expedite a resolution of the current dispute in accordance with USMCA’s Article 31.6 over the interpretation of Core/Super-core Roll-up, or content tabulation. ● Work constructively with suppliers and automakers to provide them with more time to collect and report the content requirements and related information necessary for automakers to fully comply with USMCA provisions. ● Streamline the USMCA compliance and certification procedures based on implementation experiences. ● Create further incentives for consumers to purchase electric vehicles sourced in North America, rather than proceeding unilaterally. Agriculture ● Use all available means so that Mexico adopts a regulatory framework for evaluating GMOs, as stated in USMCA’s Article 3.14.4. ● Launch a multi-agency effort (USTR, U.S. Department of Commerce, USDA, and others as appropriate) to engage in active discussions regarding the long-standing differences over tomato trade with stakeholder groups and Mexican officials to find a resolution to the dispute. ● Continue working to reduce tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber to comply with previous trade rulings, lower U.S. housing prices, and to avoid a dispute settlement complaint by Canada under USMCA. Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) ● The GRP Committee established by USMCA should meet. ● Harness emerging technologies for conducting Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs). ● Take initial steps toward regulatory alignment – data collection, transparency, and identifying priority sectors, with the goal of having robust collaboration underway by the first USMCA review starting in 2025. Environment and Energy Policy ● Task the new Environmental Committee with creating a strategic plan on climate change, including implementable goals for the pre-existing Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) regarding climate cooperation. ● Create a dialogue among North American peers regarding increasing funding for the CEC to ensure the agency has the funds to implement climate programs while not interfering with existing programs and day-to-day functions. ● As allowed in Article 1.3.2, begin negotiations regarding the addition of the Paris Climate Agreement to the list of multilateral environmental agreements. ● Increased cooperative capacity should be allocated towards harmonizing regional energy efficiency standards as established in Article 12.D.4. ● Develop an agreed US policy framework for addressing and influencing the Mexican government’s energy policies and practices that violate USMCA. Coordinate closely with Canada. Pursue dispute settlement as needed. ● Utilize the USMCA’s Competitiveness Committee to help establish a dialogue regarding North American energy cooperation and regional energy competitiveness. Public Face: Public Outreach, Transparency, and Public Education ● Acknowledge current limits in public outreach and communications capacity within the USG, including USTR, and create a USG inter- agency working group to devise a more effective public outreach strategy, including to stakeholders as well as the broader public. ● Given similar capacity limitations in the Mexican and Canadian governments, create a standing working committee on public outreach and communications either directly in the USMCA under the Free Trade Commission or perhaps indirectly through coordination mechanisms (e.g., North American Leaders Summit working group). ● In preparation for and during the first sunset review beginning in year five, identify possibilities for more robust and coordinated public communication and outreach efforts regarding USMCA and its benefits for the public. Emergency Coordination: The authors welcome the decision announced by trade ministers at their July meeting to set up a mechanism under the Competitiveness Committee that can help maintaining trade flows in emergency situations. This is essential for all three countries, given the size and importance of trade flows. With recent examples where cross-border trade was disrupted by a range of unexpected developments from the pandemic to political decisions, this new mechanism can help bolster the other efforts among the three countries to modernize and develop cross border infrastructure, improve border crossing processes and deal with emergencies. The authors understand that unlocking the potential successes of USMCA will take “whole of government” efforts by all three governments, including the work of foreign ministries, and a range of other agencies. Successful coordination will be challenging in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, especially when involving all the sub-federal governments that must play a role. Yet, the authors came away from its work confident that pulling together, the full potential of the USMCA can be unlocked. Similarly, good public outreach and regular conversations with USMCA’s many stakeholders across the agreement’s three nations will help improve the benefits that accompany trade. The United States, Mexico, and Canada are all in a good position to bolster economic wellbeing in each country and North America’s strength in the international marketplace. We hope that the recommendations described in this report will help the United States and its two key partners to strengthen USMCA’s positive impact in North America.

Article: An Acid Test for the USMCA

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico The request by the United States, followed by Canada, for consultations regarding Mexican laws, policies and practices related to its energy sector is a major test for the dispute settlement procedures of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Though the U.S. and Canadian complaints are directed toward Mexico’s energy policies and treatment of private investors, the outcomes of the dispute will be crucial for the credibility of USMCA
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Podcast: Earl Anthony Wayne y la North American Leaders Summit 2023 (interview is in English)

Listen to this episode from Upstanders on Spotify. En el marco de la North American Leaders Summit 2023, en la que el presidente Joe Biden, el primer ministro Justin Trudeau y el presidente Andrés Manuel López Obrador se reunirán en la Ciudad de México para dialogar sobre los retos y alcances de la relación entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá; tuvimos la oportunidad de conversar con Earl Anthony Wayne, ex embajador de Estados Unidos en México (2011-2015) y diplomático de carrera. I am interviewed about my diplomatic career with focus on my time in Afghanistan and Mexico. I also talk about the importance and challenges of US cooperation with Mexico and cooperation across North America.

Interview: Autos and energy: What’s weighing on North American trade in 2023 | InsideTrade.com

A U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement dispute settlement panel in the coming weeks is expected to hand Washington an adverse ruling on its interpretation of the trade deal’s automotive rules of origin. How the Biden administration responds to that ruling, analysts say, could have impacts on the credibility of the recently reformed dispute settlement system -- and on how a major disagreement over Mexico’s energy policies plays out in 2023. The U.S.’ response to the final ruling in the autos rules-of-ori

Interview: دپلومات امریکایی: پاکستان باید به آیندۀ دیدگاه طالبان در منطقه نگران باشد

ایرل انتونی وین، معاون پیشین سفارت ایالات متحدهٔ امریکا در افغانستان، می‌گوید که پاکستان باید نسبت به آیندهٔ دیدگاه طالبانی در منطقه، نگران باشد. این دپلومات پیشین امریکایی با اشاره به افزایش فعالیت جنگجویان تحریک طالبان پاکستان گفت که این گروه با استفاده از فرصت‌های موجود در افغانستان، ممکن از قلمرو این کشور برای اهداف خود استفاده کند. در این کانال شما می‌توانید برنامه‌های تلویزیونی دری صدای امریکا را دنبال کنید و افزون بر آن صدها مطلب جالب علمی، آموزشی، گزارش‌های تحقیقی و مستند در این مجموعه در دسترس تان قرار دارد. شما می‌توانید ما را در سایر شبکه‌های اجتماعی نیز دنبال کنید. فقط روی لینک‌های زیر کلیک کرده و در انستاگرام، تویتر و فیسبوک نیز ما را همراهی کنید. https://www.instagram.com/voadari https://www.darivoa.com/ https://www.facebook.com/voadari https://twitter.com/VOADari

Interview: López Obrador laughs off US concern for electoral reform in Mexico

President López Obrador laughed at the idea of Biden looking into Mexico’s electoral politics, but experts say Washington is surely keeping a close eye on recent reforms. MEXICO CITY (CN) — Mexico’s president Friday openly mocked and laughed at news that the United States Congress tasked President Joe Biden with assessing changes to its southern neighbor's electoral system. “You think the president of the United States has that on his agenda? He doesn’t even know about it,” said President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador...

Letter: Former US ambassadors push for help for Afghan allies in spending bill | Politics

A group of retired ambassadors, all of whom served as chief of mission at the US Embassy in Afghanistan, have written a letter to congressional leaders pushing them to include the Afghan Adjustment Act in the omnibus spending bill. The legislation “keeps our deep and binding commitments we made to our wartime allies. This is a moral imperative but also ensures we will find future allies in conflicts to come,” former ambassadors Ryan Crocker, Ronald E. Neumann, William Wood, Earl Anthony Wayne,

Ambassador Letter — #AfghanEvac

Retired U.S. Ambassadors who led in Afghanistan Since 2001 Urge Congress to Pass Afghan Adjustment Act Former Chiefs of Mission Pushing Congress to Include Legislation in Omnibus Spending Bill Washington DC – Nearly every U.S. ambassador assigned to Afghanistan since 2001 has signed on to a letter urging Congress to include the Afghan Adjustment Act in the omnibus spending bill. “This legislation is essential to do right by those who fought with us and to save a small shred of our national ho

Letter: Retired U.S. Ambassadors who led in Afghanistan Since 2001 Urge Congress to Pass Afghan Adjustment Act

Link: https://afghanevac.org/ambassador-letter Nearly every U.S. ambassador assigned to Afghanistan since 2001 has signed on to a letter urging Congress to include the Afghan Adjustment Act in the omnibus spending bill. “This legislation is essential to do right by those who fought with us and to save a small shred of our national honor,” said Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann (ret.) This group of retired Ambassadors, all of whom served as Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan, has written a letter to congressional leaders pushing them to pass the bill before the end of the year. The letter is being sent this evening. This legislation “keeps our deep and binding commitments we made to our wartime allies. This is a moral imperative but also ensures we will find future allies in conflicts to come,” write the ambassadors in the letter. “If the United States does not act to support its allies by passing the Afghan Adjustment Act, in the future our allies will be less likely to support the U.S. missions if they see that our Afghan partners are abandoned. In diplomacy, our words will have lost meaning, and in the unfortunate event of future conflict, what incentive would local allies have to support our troops? This legislation will go far to honor the promises we have made to the people of Afghanistan over the last 20 year,” the letter reads. The letter is signed by retired ambassadors Ryan Crocker, Ronald E. Neumann, William Wood, Earl Anthony Wayne, James Cunningham, P. Michael McKinley, Hugo Llorens, and Ross Wilson. It was organized by #AfghanEvac's founder and CEO, Shawn VanDiver and retired Ambassador Philip Kosnett. Note: I served at Deputy Ambassador and Charge d'Affairs in Kabul, but was not confirmed as chief of mission.

Panel: 200 Years of U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Relations: An Ambassadorial Perspective

Involving nearly every government agency and encompassing collaboration at the federal, state, and local levels, the United States-Mexico bilateral relationship is one of the most complex global partnerships. This makes the stewardship of the relationship complicated and challenging, requiring skillful diplomacy within our countries and across the shared border. In recognition of bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico, join the Mexico Institute on December 14 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm for a discussion with former US and Mexican ambassadors to discuss their experiences in the practice of diplomacy and their applicability for the future of the bilateral relationship. Ambassador Roberta Lajous, moderator, Mexican Ambassadors Arturo Sarukhan, Miguel Basenez, Gernoimo Gutierrez, and Martha Barcena, also joined by Mexico Institute Director, Andrew Rudman

Panel: Japan, United States, and Cooperation with the New Latin America

Tuesday, December 13, 2022 Japan, United States, and Cooperation with the New Latin America Private sector, former-government, and academic experts discussed opportunities for companies to engage with Latin American governments. Speakers Barbara Kotschwar, Executive Director, Visa Economic Empowerment Institute, Visa U.S.A. Inc. Erick Langer, Professor of Latin American History, and former Director of the Center for Latin American Studies, Georgetown University Amparo Mercader, Tax Partner, Transfer Pricing, PwC US Shohei Tada, Deputy Director General, Latin America, Japan International Cooperation Agency Earl Anthony Wayne, Distinguished Diplomat in Residence, School of International Service, American University, and former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Argentina Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas (moderator) “Compared to other regions like Africa and the Middle East, the private sector in Latin America is mature and many companies are ready to engage in social business in the region,” said Shohei Tada, Deputy Director General for Latin America at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in a Council of the Americas discussion on areas of cooperation where governments can partner with the private sector to reduce inequality, increase economic development, and strengthen democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean. Tada’s remarks focused on how JICA, with private sector cooperation, provides technical and financial cooperation to stimulate development in the region. Erick Langer, a professor of Latin American history at Georgetown University, cited Japan as a great partner for governments in the region. He said, “Japan is the Asian power that understands Latin America, thus can aid the region's societies in much more productive and sophisticated ways.” He referenced Japanese investment strategies and democratic values as positives for the country's engagement with the region. Governments in Latin America and the Caribbean have the potential to benefit from nearshoring or friendshoring. “Mexico is well-positioned to benefit from nearshoring as a key partner in USMCA,” said Amparo Mercader, Tax Partner at PwC US. Supply chains are still a concern for many companies coming out of the pandemic, and opportunities exist for Latin America to gain investment by some manufacturing and production moving closer to markets in North America. The region also stands to gain by partnering with the private sector in the areas of financial inclusion and digital transformation. The region has made progress in these areas but needs to do more to avoid stagnation. “Learn from the mistakes of the 1980s and avoid protectionism, in this case digital protectionism,” said Barbara Kotschwar, executive director at the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute. Kotschwar acknowledged that the region has become a champion of fintechs. Another bright spot is Latin America’s green energy potential. “Boards of companies are now looking to see if countries are making greener energy investments,” said Earl Anthony Wayne, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Argentina. He said it is an important factor in how successful Mexico will be in attracting more of its potential new investment. Private sector engagement with countries in the region has the potential to create opportunities for economic growth.

Talk: Diálogos del Bicentenario de las Relaciones Diplomáticas entre MEX EEUU; 200 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States

I was happy to join this session on the anniversary of 200 years of US-Mexico diplomatic relations. I speak from around 17 minutes to 28 minutes in the video (in English). Título: Sesión de Clausura Participan: Arturo Sarukhán, Exembajador de México en Estados Unidos, y Anthony Wayne, Exembajador de Estados Unidos en México. Modera: Graciela Martínez-Zalce, CISAN

Panel: North America 2.0 : Towards a Continental Future

The Wilson Center's Mexico Institute and Canada Institute marked the publication of North America 2.0, a compilation of perspectives on the future of the trilateral relationship. This event consisted of two panel discussions with the authors and contributors to the book, as well as comparing experts' perspectives on the opportunities for collaboration within North America and the challenges faced by the three countries, ahead of the next North American Leaders' Summit. Please see the participants listed below. I was happy to talk about workforce development and start to speak about minute 35 in the program
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Article: By the numbers: The global economy in 2021 - $2.4 million per minute in US-Mexico-Canada trade.

A year ago, experts predicted the “Roaring ‘20s,” a decade in which a tamed pandemic would unleash a new era of global growth. As the year comes to a close, our GeoEconomics Center’s staff and senior fellows called out the numbers behind the headlines that best capture the shape of the global economy in 2021—and what to expect in 2022. The United States, Canada, and Mexico traded more than $2.4 million per minute on average during the first ten months of 2021. The United States’ two neighbors are its top two trading partners this year, followed by China. This trade supports up to 12 million jobs in the United States and millions more in Mexico and Canada. The three countries not only sell to each other, but they also co-produce many products, with high percentages of US content coming back to the United States in finished manufactured products bought from its two neighbors. These facts signal that the economic partnership in North America is very important for economic competition with China, in addition to its direct impact on prosperity in the UnitedStates, Mexico, and Canada. It is, thus, very welcome that the three countries are rolling up their sleeves to improve supply-chain resilience, cross-border infrastructure and processes, workforce development, cybersecurity coordination, and more ...

Article: A Nation on the Verge of Collapse

The United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the donor community have all been warning of the humanitarian catastrophe emerging with the imminent collapse of the Afghan economy. The withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces from the country, which led to the disintegration of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover, has been followed by the cutoff of most external assistance and the freezing of most of Afghanistan’s monetary reserves, thereby elim

Article: Afghanistan is about to collapse. Here’s what the US must do about it.

The United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the donor community have all been warning of the humanitarian catastrophe emerging with the imminent collapse of the Afghan economy. The withdrawal of US and allied forces from the country, which led to the disintegration of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover, has been followed by the cutoff of most external assistance and the freezing of most of Afghanistan’s monetary reserves, thereby eliminating

Article: Getting Down to the Business of Action (North America)

The summit constituted the first of its kind since 2016. Thei leaders of the United States, Canada and Mexico set an agenda that could power all three countries to rebound more effectively from the pandemic’s effects and unlock the important potential of better cooperation across the continent. Biden, Trudeau and López Obrador were positioned to greatly increase collaboration: 1) to support rebuilding from pandemic’s blows to the continent’s deeply integrated value chains and industries; 2) to

Article: La Cumbre de Líderes de Norteamérica, de regreso

La próxima reunión de líderes es una oportunidad importante para conectar, comunicar, establecer objetivos y planificar Los líderes de Estados Unidos, Canadá y México se reunirán el 18 de noviembre para una “Cumbre de Líderes de Norteamérica”, o NALS, por sus siglas en inglés. La agenda será grande e importante para esta primera reunión a tres bandas de los socios de Norteamérica desde 2016.

Article: Resuming North American leaders summits could accomplish much

David Jacobson was the U.S. ambassador to Canada from 2009 to 2013 and is vice-chair, BMO Financial Group. Earl Anthony Wayne was the U.S. ambassador to Mexico from 2011 to 2015 and is co-chair of the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute Advisory Board and a Distinguished Diplomat in Residence at American University’s School of International Service. The leaders of the United States, Canada and Mexico will meet Nov. 18 for a North American Leaders’ Summit, or NALS. The agenda will be big and important.

Article: Washington’s Highest Western Hemisphere Priority

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico The most important bilateral relationship in Latin America for the United States is that with Mexico. Mexico is one of America’s top two trade partners and largest export markets. Economic ties support millions of jobs on both sides of the border. Mexico is an indispensable partner in improving management of migration across the southern border. Cooperation with Mexico is essential to getting a better handle on the deadly flows of drugs i

Article: Mexico - Highest U.S. Priority in the Western Hemisphere

The most important bilateral relationship in Latin America for the United States is that with Mexico. Mexico is one of America’s top two trade partners and largest export markets. Economic ties support millions of jobs on both sides of the border. Mexico is an indispensable partner in improving management of migration across the southern border. Cooperation with Mexico is essential to getting a better handle on the deadly flows of drugs into the U.S. from Mexico, as well as getting better contro

Article: Revised HLED Will Enhance Binational Cooperation

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico In a bid to revive economic relations and make Mexico and the United States more competitive with China, leaders of the two countries have launched a renewed cabinet-level High Level Economic Dialogue (HLED), dormant since 2017. To underscore that initiative, Vice President Kamala Harris headed a U.S. delegation consisting of the secretaries of state, commerce, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Trade Representative in a meeting at the White

Essay in E-Book Collection: Bringing Supply Chains Back to Mexico

I was happy to contribute an article to this collection. Introduction: In a bid to revive economic relations and make Mexico and the United States more competitive with China, leaders of the two countries have launched a renewed Cabinet-level High Level Economic Dialogue (HLED), dormant since 2017. To underscore that initiative, Vice President Kamala Harris headed a US delegation consisting of the Secretaries of State, Commerce, Homeland Security, and the US Trade Representative in a meeting at the White House with Mexico’s foreign and commerce ministers and others on September 9. If done well and accompanied by Mexican moves to improve the investment climate, the HLED process can encourage more nearshoring of manufacturing and other businesses to Mexico, contributing to more resilient supply chains. Binational working groups are working to identify objectives and actions with plans to report on progress by early November. The HLED is aimed at pursuing economic opportunities beyond the trade issues covered in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which took effect in 2020. The USMCA calls for new consultative mechanisms on such issues as trade rules for auto production, respect for labor rights, and barriers to trade in agricultural products. As a complement to the new dialogue, the HLED can also help strengthen value chains and effective nearshoring in key sectors, generating “good” jobs on both sides of the border

Article: Bilateral Effort for a Common Good

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico The United States and Mexico took important steps toward better cooperation against cross-border crime and criminal networks on Oct. 8. Meeting in Mexico City, cabinet members from both countries approved a new framework to replace the Merida Initiative, which had served as the umbrella for bilateral public security cooperation since 2008. Now, teams from both countries aim to hammer out an agreed action agenda by year’s end and then forge

Essay/Article: What Will the U.S.- Mexico Economic Talks Accomplish?

Earl Anthony Wayne, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and co-chair of the Mexico Institute Advisory Board at the Wilson Center: “Mexican and U.S. ministers launched the renewed High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) with an agenda aimed at boosting supply chains, border management, jobs skills, stakeholder dialogue and helping reduce migration flows. Done well, this process can energize bilateral economic relations with more inclusive processes and concrete improvements. Progress reports from working groups are due in early November. This new HLED recognizes the value of sustained cooperation as demonstrated from 2013-2016 and of learning from the pandemic, which exposed weaknesses in cross-border supply chains. It also reflects agreement to address the root causes of migration. There are four pillars for HLED work. The first pillar, ‘building back together,’ includes steps to support the creation of more resilient supply chains and modernizing the U.S.-Mexico border. Semiconductor supply chains will get a first review, with electric vehicle, medical device and pharmaceutical supply chains as additional candidates. Importantly, work includes renewed attention to improving border crossing processes and infrastructure, as well as better dialogue with private and subfederal government stakeholders. The HLED’s second pillar, ‘promoting sustainable economic and social development in Southern Mexico and Central America,’ will entail the hard work of trying to identify the mix of programs to produce good results. The third pillar, ‘securing tools for future prosperity,’ can foster needed cooperation on cybersecurity and resilient information technology networks. The fourth pillar, ‘investing in our people,’ gives needed attention to workforce development, such as applying best practices for upskilling workers and can usefully target specific groups in need and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).”

Article: The Return of the HLED

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico A modified version of this article previously appeared in he U.S. congressional publication The Hill, and is being republished in Pulse News Mexico with express prior permission. Heed closely what Mexico and the United States agreed on earlier this month. On Thursday, Sept. 9, ministers from both governments held the first meeting of a new High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) aimed at pursuing economic opportunities beyond the trade issues

Article: The US and Mexico take steps to strengthen ties

Watch closely what Mexico and the United States agree on this week. On Thursday, Sept. 9, ministers from both governments will hold the first meeting of a new High-Level Economic Dialogue (HLED) aimed at pursuing economic opportunities beyond the trade issues covered in the new North America trade agreement — the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA — that took effect in mid-2020. In the USMCA framework, the governments already are overseeing bilateral trade and working through trade

Article: 5 Questions on Afghanistan: What Brought Us to This Point, and Where Do We Go Now?

The Taliban took Kabul, Afghanistan, far faster than US intelligence officials had anticipated; evacuations out of the country are enveloped in chaos; and on August 26, deadly attacks took place at the Kabul airport. How did we get to this point? Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne, SIS professor and distinguished diplomat in residence, served as coordinating director for development and economic affairs and deputy ambassador in Kabul from 2009 to 2011. In this Q&A, he describes how the Taliban was ab

Article: The Hard Lessons Learned from Afghanistan

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. deputy ambassador to Afghanistan Ending a war well requires an accurate assessment of the facts, careful weighing of the potential costs, and plans for achieving the desired outcomes and dealing with unexpected repercussions: There will be plenty of re-examination of the U.S. decision in April to give a September date certain for pulling out of Afghanistan, but events over the last few months make clear that the final U.S. decisions were based on a poor under

Article: Lessons, Credibility and Priorities for Afghanistan

There will be plenty of re-examination of the U.S. decision in April to give a September date certain for pulling out of Afghanistan, but events over the last few months make clear that the final U.S. decisions were based on a poor understanding of the damage already done to Afghan government morale, authority, and capacity by the U.S. negotiations with the Taliban, during the last two years of the Trump administration. The Taliban had used the last two years while negotiating with the United St
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2021 Interviews, Speeches, Presentations, Testimonies, etc.

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Interview VOA Pashto: Getting humanitarian Aid to the Afghan people and not yet recognizing the Taliban as legitimate; افغانستان کې د امریکا د پخواني سفیر ارل انتوني وین مرکه

تېره اونۍ د امریکا د خزانې وزارت افغانستان ته د مرستو لېږلو په اړه درې جوازونه ورکړل او ملګرو ملتونو پدغه اړه د امریکا لخوا د وړاندې شوي یو پریکړه لیک مسوده تصویب کړه. په افغانستان کې د امریکا پخوانی سفیر ارل انتوني وین وايي چې یاد پرمختګونه به د طالبانو سره د نړیوالې ټولنې غیر مستقیمې اړیکې رامېنځته کړي، خو امریکا او نړیوال لا هم د طالبانو د حکومت په رسمیت پېژاندلو څخه لري دي. د امریکاغږ پښتو یوټیوب چینل سره یوځای شئ او د ورځنیو مهمو خبرونو تر څنگ د افغانستان او نړۍ له گوټ گوټ څخه ځانگړي ویدیویي راپورونه وگورئ. د امریکا غږ پښتو ویبپاڼې، فیسبوک، ټویټر او انستگرام کې هم په لاندې لینکونو له مونږ سره مل شئ. Subscribe to VOA Pashto’s YouTube channel for daily news, feature reports, interviews and many more on Afghanistan and the world. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the following addresses. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voapashto Twitter: https://twitter.com/VOAPashto Instagram: https://instagram.com/voa_pashto

Interview: As Humanitarian Disaster Looms, U.S. Opens Door for More Afghanistan Aid

Op-ed that I co-drafted cited in this article: Sacks of flour from a World Food Program convoy were unloaded in Afghanistan in October. The Treasury Department will make it easier for international organizations and the U.S. government to provide relief to Afghans while maintaining economic pressure on the Taliban. The Treasury Department and the United Nations offered new protection for aid from sanctions meant to pressure the Taliban.

Interview: With hunger, poverty growing in Afghanistan, Biden pressured to ease sanctions

“We don’t want to help the Taliban, but we don’t want to see Afghans starving in the winter either,” said Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.), who helped to spearhead the effort. “We want the millions of Afghans who are not going to leave the country, but who are trying to defend the gains of the last 20 years, to know that the United States is still behind them.” But a growing number of administration officials, particularly in the U.S. State Department, are pushing for more flexibility, with some ar

Interview: Lawmakers, former officials issue urgent appeals for Biden to help Afghanistan

House lawmakers are calling on the Biden administration to prioritize assistance to Afghanistan in the face of a crippling economic and humanitarian crisis facing the country. “No one benefits from a failed state in Afghanistan,” a bipartisan group of 39 lawmakers wrote on Thursday, in a letter to the State and Treasury departments, calling for the release of Afghan assets — which amount to an estimated $9.5 billion — that were frozen in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of the country in Augu

Interview VOA Dari: Zheela Noori interview Earl Anthony Wayne replay on LinkedIn: #Afghans #humanitarian

Earl Anthony (Tony) Wayne says there should be action by the US and others to get money to #Afghans in need to meet the #humanitarian needs and recognizing that that means there needs to be channels where money can be sent in and in and distributed accurately. We need more leadership by US and others to encourage to go ahead and try these new methods. All the time preserving the sanctions on the Taliban that deserve to remain in place because of their previous behavior and their unwillingness to have a truly inclusive government.”

Interview VOA Dari: addressing the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

ایرل انتونی واین، استاد پوهنتون امریکایی و دپلومات پیشین می‌گوید که امریکایی ها با مردم افغان احساس همدردی دارند و می‌خواهند از راه های متفاوت برای مردم نیازمند کمک کنند. این دپلومات پیشین امریکایی می‌گوید که برای رسیدگی به بحران بشری در افغانستان تلاش‌ها نه تنها باید افزایش یابد بلکه باید سرعت نیز گیرند. اما او می‌گوید که تا زمانیکه گروه طالبان تخطی های حقوق بشر را رفع نکرده و حکومت همه شمول تشکیل ندهند، تحریم ها علیه طالبان باقی می‌ماند. در کانال یوتیوب دری صدای امریکا خبرهای تازه، موثق، معتبر و جامع را دنبال کنید. ما را فیسبوک، تویتر و انستاگرام نیز دنبال کنید. https://www.instagram.com/voadari https://www.darivoa.com/ https://www.facebook.com/voadari/ https://twitter.com/VOADariAfghan

Interview: Biden’s electric vehicle plans spark outrage in Mexico and Canada

Biden’s electric vehicle plans spark outrage in Mexico and Canada US trading partners insist that EV incentives breach terms of USMCA pact Aime Williams and Christine Murray Joe Biden will meet the leaders of Mexico and Canada this week as his plans to encourage Americans to buy electric cars made in the US have sparked furious opposition from two of America’s biggest trading partners. The so-called three amigos summit, to be held at the White House, will take place for the first time since 2016, and comes as senior officials in Mexico City and Ottawa have complained that Biden’s plans to kickstart EV manufacturing in the US break international trade rules. The opposition of some of the US’s closest allies to a flagship climate policy poses a political and diplomatic dilemma for Biden. The president has pledged to both lower tensions with trading partners following the tumultuous tenure of Donald Trump, and to use industrial policy to boost green industries like electric car manufacturing. Although not yet passed into law, Biden’s broader $1.75tn legislative package contains proposals to offer a tax credit of $7,500 for electric vehicles made only in the US from 2026. Another $4,500 of tax credits are available for purchasing electric cars made with union labour. On Friday, Mélanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister, said she had raised the issue in a meeting with Antony Blinken, US secretary of state. Mary Ng, Canada’s trade minister, has previously written to the Democratic and Republican leaders and to Katherine Tai, US trade representative, and Gina Raimondo, US commerce secretary, to convey Ottawa’s “very serious concerns” about the EV credits. Ng’s office said that Washington’s proposed measures were “inconsistent” both with its obligations under USMCA, the updated North American trade deal struck between the three countries under Donald Trump, and with the rules of the World Trade Organization. Tatiana Clouthier, Mexico’s economy minister, has sent her own letters to US legislators to ask that the proposals be altered to be brought in line with USMCA. “It’s contradictory,” Clouthier said. “They would set off more [migration] with this kind of measure.” Tai refused to be drawn this week on whether the US proposals contravened the USMCA trade agreement that she helped broker as the Democrats’ chief trade counsel in the House of Representatives. “I’m aware of concerns that our trading partners have raised, and we care about these concerns,” she said. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the growing dispute between the three nations was “a big deal”. “Everybody is moving at warp speed towards electric vehicles, and auto companies are now deciding where to locate their electric vehicle factories,” Alden said. “This tax credit gives pretty strong incentives to locate final assembly in the United States so, not surprisingly, the Canadians and Mexicans are deeply worried about it.” At present, the North American motor industry supply chain is scattered across all three countries. According to a recent report by the Congressional Research Service, some car parts cross the US, Mexican and Canadian borders “seven or eight times” before they are assembled into the final vehicle. The US imports $29.4bn of car parts from Mexico and exports $5.9bn of parts to Canada, while exporting $11.7bn of completed vehicles to Canada and $67.5bn to Mexico. The CRS says that vehicle parts exported to Canada and Mexico often return to the US to be incorporated into the finished vehicles. “It’s important to remember that the auto industry is the most quintessential North American, USMCA or Nafta industry,” said Tony Wayne, a former US ambassador to Mexico, referring to USMCA’s predecessor trade deal. “It’s more integrated than any other industry.” Canada has suggested that US threats to rupture the motor industry’s integration at this time might backfire on the US. Ng’s letter reminded US officials that Canada was “the only country” in the western hemisphere to have stores of all of the critical minerals needed to build an electric vehicle battery, and that Canada was therefore “necessary for the United States to achieve its electric vehicle objectives in the future”. Mexico’s lower labour costs have long attracted carmakers, but sector leaders are already worried that it may not be able to attract a renewed investment boom in the shift to EVs. ...
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2020 Articles

Fulfilling North America's Promise

Key Policy Recommendations • Establish cooperative work agendas addressing key economic and security issues. • Re-organize structures to take full advantage of the opportunities from North American cooperation, as well as to resolve problems. • Reinitiate the North American Leaders' Summits, preferably once a year, but at least every two years. • Make supply chains more resilient and less dependent on distant suppliers. • Re-create and improve bilateral mechanisms to deal with homeland security and economic issues outside of USMCA. • Establish a multi-layered approach to North America that effectively incorporates the many stakeholders in North America's success. • In the short-term, agendas should include COVID-19 management and recovery; strengthening supply chains; implementing USMCA; revisiting border security; bolstering law enforcement coordination; and rethinking migration management and aid to Central America. • The medium- and longer-term agendas should include creating a shared vision and structures that enhance mutual prosperity and security, and a focus on issues such as climate change, “green” energy futures, workforce development, the deployment of new technologies, and more cooperative approaches to cybersecurity.

The High Stakes of the US-Mexico Relationship - Pulse News Mexico

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Mexico and the United States cannot escape the need to collaborate. The big test is how well the governments can work together with the arrival of President Joe Biden. The action agenda is urgent: handling migration from Central America, deepening anti-crime coordination, managing the pandemic and recovery, and implementing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), including Mexico’s treatment of energy investments and protection

Biden’s Trade Policy Needs Commercial Diplomacy

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE and SHAUN DONNELLY, both former U.S. ambassadors The new Joe Biden administration has a great opportunity to rebuild the United States’ international competitiveness and policy effectiveness in ways to assure that the domestic and international policy agendas reinforce each other. This approach can build prosperity at home and simultaneously establish markets, opportunities and partnerships internationally. The appointments of Jake Sullivan as national security adviser an

US-Mexico Relations

Earl Anthony Wayne, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and co-chair of the Mexico Institute Advisory Board at the Wilson Center: “Mexico and the United States cannot escape the need to collaborate. The big test is how well the governments can work together with the arrival of President Joe Biden. The action agenda is urgent: handling migration from Central America, deepening anti-crime coordination, managing the pandemic and recovery, and implementing the USMCA trade agreement including Mexico’s treatment of energy investments and protection of labor rights. The opportunities are also great: building on the USMCA to boost both economies, enhancing homeland security and reinforcing trust undermined in recent years. President Biden arrives with the deepest understanding of Mexico of any U.S. president. His strong predilection is to reinforce cooperation. Until recently, however, President López Obrador (AMLO) was not welcoming. He also placed a serious legal wrench in Mexico-U.S. anti-crime cooperation. One can debate why AMLO adopted this stance, but the challenge is whether the leaders and their teams can rebuild enough trust to find and implement solutions. The stakes are immense. Legal trade is about $1 million per minute. That represents about 80 percent of Mexico’s imports. That trade supports almost five million U.S. jobs. Illicit drug trade fuels tens of thousands of deaths in each country via drug overdoses and criminal violence. A new surge of Central American migrants would spark a crisis for the Biden administration. U.S. companies and unions are worried about Mexico’s implementation of the USMCA. Much work remains to deal with the pandemic’s effects. The neighbors should quickly establish the dialogue and processes to manage these challenges well.”

Biden Team Must Forge Early Security Strategy

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s emerging national security team has impressive credentials, reflecting his own deep experience. This will be a big advantage, given the need to “build back better” with the world as well as at home. The tasks include rebuilding institutions battered over the past four years, including the State Department, the intelligence community, and law enforcement and justice agencies. The daunting international agen

Biden's trade policy needs effective commercial diplomacy

The incoming Biden administration has a great opportunity to rebuild America’s international competitiveness and policy effectiveness in ways to assure that the domestic and international policy agendas reinforce each other. This approach can build prosperity at home and simultaneously establish markets, opportunities and partnerships internationally. The appointments of Jake Sullivan Jake SullivanBiden formally appoints NSA's Anne Neuberger to key national security position How should Biden re

The Way Forward in Afghanistan

Among the most pressing issues on U.S. President-elect Joe Biden’s to-do list on foreign policy is the war in Afghanistan, which offers only hard choices. But despite the blunders of U.S. President Donald Trump, Afghanistan may actually now have a chance to achieve some form of political settlement and significantly reduced violence. To pursue a path toward sustainable peace in Afghanistan, Biden’s team must walk a fine line. On the one hand, they must make it clear that peace does not mean sim

The way forward in Afghanistan: How Biden can achieve sustainable peace and US security

Among the most pressing issues on the US president-elect’s to-do list on foreign policy is the war in Afghanistan, which offers only hard choices. But despite the blunders of President Donald Trump, Afghanistan may actually now have a chance to achieve some form of political settlement and significantly reduced violence. To pursue a path toward sustainable peace in Afghanistan, Joe Biden’s team must walk a fine line. On the one hand, they must make it clear that peace does not mean simply handi

A Better Way Forward for Mexico

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico Mexico’s Congress passed legislation on Dec.15 that restricts the work of foreign government employees in a way that could greatly inhibit U.S.-Mexico cooperation against powerful cross-border criminal organizations, which are moving drugs northward to the United States and arms and illicit proceeds to Mexico. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) signed the law and it took effect on Dec. 19. Before this grows into a very d

Biden's team must forge an early national security strategy — and better processes

President-elect Biden’s emerging national security team has impressive credentials, reflecting his own deep experience. This will be a big advantage, given the need to “build back better” with the world as well as at home. The tasks include rebuilding institutions battered over the past four years, including the State Department, the intelligence community, and law enforcement and justice agencies. The daunting international agenda makes it imperative that the president and his advisers draw on

Imaging Peace in Afghanistan

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, career diplomat, ambassador and senior advisor with the Project on Prosperity and Development at theCenter for Strategic and International Studies The following report was first published by the U.S. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and is being republished in an abbreviated format in Pulse News Mexico with explicit prior permission. This report identifies best practices among reconciliation programs used in conflicts around the world that may help p

A better way forward than Mexico's new anti-crime legislation

Mexico’s Congress passed legislation on Dec.15 that restricts the work of foreign government employees in a way that could greatly inhibit U.S.-Mexico cooperation against powerful cross-border criminal organizations, which are moving drugs northward to the U.S. and arms and illicit proceeds to Mexico. President López Obrador signed the law and it took effect on Dec. 19. Before this grows into a very damaging bilateral problem, the two governments urgently need to engage to address the serious a

Imagine Peace: Connecting Global Solutions on Reconciliation with an Afghanistan Ready for Peace

Imagine Peace: Connecting Global Solutions on Reconciliation with an Afghanistan Ready for Peace • This report identifies best practices among reconciliation programs used in conflicts around the world that may help promote reconciliation in Afghanistan, should progress toward peace advance. A team of American University undergraduate researchers at the School of International Service worked under the guidance of former ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne to examine scores of programs in over 30 count

High Profile Tests for Mexican Justice, Bilateral Cooperation

By EARL ANTHONY WAYNE, former U.S. ambassador to Mexico Mexico’s law enforcement and justice system is now in the spotlight over U.S.-Mexico cross-border crime. Mexico’ public security and justice systems currently face a series of “stress tests”: handling charges against two former Mexican secretaries for aiding criminal groups trafficking drugs to the United States; the still-ongoing investigation of the November 2018 murders of U.S. citizen women and children in Sonora by members of criminal ...

Are Mexico and the U.S. Putting Politics Above the Law?

“The U.S. arrest and release to Mexico of retired Mexican Defense Secretary Salvador Cienfuegos on charges of supporting a drug-smuggling group has set up a high-profile test for Mexico’s justice system. Many questions swirl around the general’s arrest, release and future treatment in Mexico, especially the chances for a credible Mexican prosecution. Mexico’s handling of General Cienfuegos’ case will have a significant impact on U.S.-Mexican cooperation against deadly cross-border organized crime. Most important to watch for the long term will be how the management of the case strengthens or weakens bilateral collaboration against drug-trafficking groups that cause tens of thousands of deaths in the United States and Mexico. We must keep the real costs of trafficking in focus. Mexico’s foreign minister and president have spoken positively about Mexico’s ability to carry out a serious investigation of Cienfuegos. Other experts are skeptical, given the poor record of Mexico’s justice system on cases involving high-profile individuals. In this case, electronic evidence collected by U.S. authorities without a Mexican judge’s approval may not be admissible in Mexican courts. If the case falters, a bright spotlight will shine on still-existing flaws in Mexico’s judicial system. A poorly handled case will further erode confidence among U.S. law enforcement officials in their Mexican partners and will erode confidence among honest Mexican officials in their system. To bolster trust, the two governments must build new mechanisms to help prevent corruption of officials from either country, as part of work to strengthen and expand effective cooperation against cross-border trafficking.” by me and other experts on the arrest and release to Mexico of retired General Salvador Cienfuegos related to charges of supporting a drug trafficking group.

El caso Cienfuegos: la gran prueba para el sistema judicial de México

La captura y liberación del exsecretario de la Defensa Nacional, Salvador Cienfuegos es una gran prueba para el sistema de justicia mexicano. Pero también subraya los desafíos a una relación bilateral más profunda y efectiva para la cooperación contra el narcotráfico. El caso Cienfuegos está drenando la confianza en ambos lados de la frontera. Como secretario de la Defensa, entre 2012 y 2014, Cienfuegos supervisó la cooperación militar cercana entre México y Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, las aut

Biden Will Boost Regional Ties

A Joe Biden administration can be expected to put U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada relations back into a strategic framework for solving problems and strengthening long-term cooperation. This would include pursuing a more consistent approach to Mexico and Canada, less driven by individual issues and tradeoffs and more concerned with achieving progress across a range of key issues, stretching from trade to public security to economic competitiveness to the environment.
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2020 - Interviews, Speeches, Talks, Presentations, Testimonies, Media mentions, etc.

SIS Students Worked and Shared Findings with the State Department

The Diplomacy Lab SIS Capstone centers on a research project deemed important for the US State Department. It is a unique opportunity for SIS students to work with State Department officials, career diplomats, ambassadors, and people who are currently working in the Foreign Service. Launched in 2013, the Diplomacy Lab aims to address two key priorities: first, to engage the American people in the work of diplomacy, and second, to broaden the State Department’s research base.

U.S. Evidence Against Mexican Ex-Defense Minister Raises Conviction Doubts

Explosive U.S. drug-trafficking allegations against Mexico’s former defense minister rely largely on circumstantial evidence, diminishing the chances that the Mexican government could bring a case against him to trial or could convict him in a Mexican court if it did, according to people in both countries familiar with the case. American agents arrested Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos in October as he arrived in Los Angeles for a family vacation, accusing him of taking bribes in exchange for protectin

1 big thing: When Joe meets AMLO

Biden (then VP) and López Obrador (then a presidential candidate) in Mexico City in 2012. Photo: Uri Cortez/AFP via Getty Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is off to an awkward start with President-elect Biden. Along with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, he's one of the very few world leaders still declining to recognize Biden’s victory. Why it matters: López Obrador’s stance may soon be forgotten, but it could foreshadow tensions in a relationship that will be

Migrant Caravans Could Be Early Test For Biden

Biden will need Mexico to continue to help prevent such a surge in the short term, said Earl Anthony Wayne, who served as U.S. ambassador to Mexico under President Barack Obama. Wayne said the United States also will need to partner with other countries on medium- and long-term solutions to improve conditions in Central America and the treatment of migrants in Mexico and the United States. “Biden will not have an easy set of choices, but I think he will try to thread the needle between a more humanitarian approach and a need to avoid getting overwhelmed,” said Wayne, who teaches at American University. “What he can do is try to forge a more effective partnership with Mexico to see the common value of dealing with this in an orderly way, and not letting it get out of hand.”

Ex-national security officials warn of risks in Biden transition delay

Several former Trump administration national security and diplomatic officials also signed on, including former U.S. ambassador to Iraq Doug Silliman; former NSC senior director for counterterrorism Javed Ali; former DHS assistant secretary of counterterrorism Elizabeth Neumann; former DHS deputy assistant secretary for counterterrorism policy Tom Warrick; and former U.S. ambassador to the U.K. Lewis Lukens. I was happy to join in this effort.

Del muro al espinoso caso Cienfuegos: radiografía de lo que viene en la relación México - EEUU por el exembajador Anthony Wayne

En las últimas semanas el tema que ha mantenido los reflectores del mundo entero es, sin duda, la elección presidencial en Estados Unidos. Y uno de los países más interesados –sino es que el principal– en el resultado de esos comicios . Y no es para menos. México no solo es el vecino del sur de Estados Unidos. Su vínculo también incluye una fuerte relación en temas humanitarios, como la migración; económicos, como el nuevo tratado comercial (T-MEC); de seguridad, como la cooperación en temas de

México, Estados Unidos y la promesa migratoria que jamás llegó

Quoted in the following article: Un análisis de las políticas migratorias de Estados Unidos, y qué significaría una reelección de Trump o el triunfo de Biden para las relaciones con México. Cuando comenzó su apuesta por la presidencia en 2015, la narrativa antinmigrante, como sus críticos la denuncian, se convirtió en el centro de la campaña de Donald Trump. Él prometió frente a audiencias entusiasmadas construir un muro en la frontera y sostuvo que México “no envía a su mejor” gente al territorio estadounidense ...

Sixth North American Process Symposium: Economic Coordination and Adaptation

The School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary, the School of Global Studies at Universidad Anáhuac México, and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University, in association with The Wilson Center in Washington D.C., were proud to host the Sixth Annual North American Process Symposium: Economic Coordination and Adaptation. In an era of a global pandemic, regional trade uncertainty, tensions with China, devastated supply chains, and increased d

Exembajadores de México y Estados Unidos aportan recomendaciones para mejorar relación entre ambos países

Exembajadores de México y Estados Unidos presentaron una serie de recomendaciones para fortalecer y potencializar la relación bilateral entre ambos países, en materia de seguridad, migración y agua. Ello en el marco de una reunión virtual con la Comisión de Relaciones Exteriores América del Norte. John Dimitri Negroponte, ex embajador de Washington en México, reconoció que la agenda de seguridad, siempre ha sido un tema delicado para los dos países, sobre todo, en lo referente al tráfico de dro

National Security Leaders for Biden

We are former public servants who have devoted our careers, and in many cases risked our lives, for the United States. We are generals, admirals, senior noncommissioned officers, ambassadors, and senior civilian national security leaders. We are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. We love our country. Unfortunately, we also fear for it. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven America needs principled, wise, and responsible leadership. America needs a President who understands, as President Harry
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2019 Articles

USMCA: Approval and Economic Boost in Sight

A big push is under way to achieve approval in the U.S. House of Representatives for the newly amended United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the new NAFTA, before the end of the year. The deadline goal appears to be congressional action by Dec. 20, at the latest. Supporters of USMCA are working hard to complete the procedures needed for action by in the U.S. House of Representatives and to secure as many votes as possible there for the agreement, so the USMCA heads to the U.S. Senate w

North America 2.0: A Workforce Development Agenda

A new report examining the need for the United States, Mexico and Canada to collaborate on workforce development in order to better meet the massive challenges of new technologies transforming work and workplaces over the next few years. governments, the private sector, educational institutions need to find and implement new models of skills training and preparing for the changes brought by new technology or face serious social, political and economic disruptions.

USMCA: So near, or just too far?

A big push is under way to achieve U.S. approval for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the new NAFTA, but important gaps remain between the parties. The most recent deadline goal appears to be congressional action by Dec. 20, at the latest. Missing that deadline could delay approval until 2021 and leave the continent’s economies under a cloud of uncertainty. Approving the USMCA could bring a needed economic boost to the millions of jobs supported by commerce with America’s two largest t

A Fresh Approach to Peace in Afghanistan

An effective peace process is possible and desirable in Afghanistan. Success, however, will require a careful, step-by-step course to test bona fides, build confidence, reduce violence and encourage the difficult negotiations in which Afghans themselves determine the political future of Afghanistan. U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad has been working to re-engage the peace process in visits to the region, in meetings with international players, and in fostering last month’s detainee s

Apprenticeship and Other Work-Based Learning Programs in North America

The apprenticeship movement is reshaping skills, policies, and programs in the United States at a critical moment in our country’s history. I was happy to be leader author in the first article in this reader. The collection offers a chorus of voices emanating from different countries and populations, echoing commitment to bright, sustainable workforce futures through a well-crafted approach to this talent development model. The collected chapters and vignettes address questions for businesses of all sizes, community-based organizations, and schools looking for a way

A fresh approach to peace in Afghanistan

An effective peace process is possible and desirable in Afghanistan. Success, however, will require a careful, step-by-step course to test bona fides, build confidence, reduce violence and encourage the difficult negotiations in which Afghans themselves determine the political future of Afghanistan. U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad has been working to re-engage the peace process in visits to the region, in meetings with international players, and in fostering the just completed deta

More Effective US-Mexico Cooperation Is Urgently Needed

An abbreviated version of the following article first appeared in Fox News Opinion and is being republished in Pulse News Mexico with specific prior permission. The horrific Nov. 4 killing of U.S. citizen women and children in Sonora, Mexico, should prompt closer and more effective U.S.-Mexico cooperation against the cross-border organized crime that is seriously endangering citizens of both countries. These transnational criminal groups are undermining the sovereignty of both countries daily.

Democrats’ Clash with Trump Must Not Imperil USMCA Passage

It is increasingly urgent that the United States achieve stability and predictability with its two largest trading partners. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns of a “synchronized global slowdown” powered significantly by trade tensions, and the Institute of International Finance flags 20-year highs in global trade and economic uncertainty. “Getting to Yes” on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) this year would diminish these threats in North America. Mexico and Canada ar

Democrats' clashes with Trump must not imperil trade with Mexico and Canada

It is increasingly urgent that the United States achieve stability and predictability with its two largest trading partners. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns of a “synchronized global slowdown” powered significantly by trade tensions, and the Institute of International Finance flags 20-year highs in global trade and economic uncertainty. “Getting to Yes” on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) this year would diminish these threats in North America. Mexico and Canada ar

Afghanistan: Where Do We Go from Here?

The following article first appeared in the U.S. political website “The Hill” and is being republished in Pulse News Mexico with specific prior permission. It is in the strong interest of Afghanistan, its neighbors, its international partners and especially, the United States, that the Afghanistan peace process not be abandoned, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaring the U.S.-Taliban talks “dead.” No party can win a military victory any time soon in current circumstances, and Afghans

Mexico Seeking Stronger Ties with US

Because of the current U.S. trade dispute with China, Mexico has become United States’ Number 1 trade partner. Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Relations (SRE) Marcelo Ebrard met in Washington, D.C. with U.S. officials on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in an effort to put U.S.-Mexico cooperation on firmer footing, and especially to overcome U.S. threats tied to migration and move ahead with the new United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has b

Mexico, the leading US trade partner, seeks to fortify relations

Because of the U.S. trade dispute with China, Mexico has become America’s No. 1 trading partner. Mexico’s foreign minister is scheduled to be in Washington for meetings Tuesday, in an effort to put U.S.-Mexico cooperation on firmer footing, especially to overcome U.S. threats tied to migration and to move ahead with the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, known as “AMLO,” has been laboring to bring about what he views as a historic transformation in Mexico ...

US-Taliban Negotiations: How to Avoid a Rush to Failure

We strongly support a negotiated peace in Afghanistan, a limited force drawdown as part of getting peace negotiations going, and the substantial force drawdown later that peace would allow. Equally strongly, we believe that U.S. security and values, including support for women, require that a full troop withdrawal can come only after a real peace. How our troop presence is managed will have a critical influence on the chances for successful peace negotiations, the future of the fight against th

US-Taliban Negotiations: How to Avoid Rushing to Failure

This is a collaborative product of former US diplomatic officials who have worked on Afghanistan. We strongly support a negotiated peace in Afghanistan, a limited force drawdown as part of getting peace negotiations going, and the substantial force drawdown later that peace would allow. Equally strongly, we believe that US security and values, including support for women, require that a full troop withdrawal come only after a real peace. How our troop presence is managed will have a critical

Border Security and Counter-Narcotics

(The following article first appeared in the Woodrow Wilson Center’s web site and is being republished in Pulse News Mexico with specific prior permission. Cross-border criminal activity fueled by illegal drugs is causing great damage in both Mexico and the United States. The two governments need to prioritize forging an agreed strategy and action agenda to tackle this serious problem. They should establish a permanent cabinet-level group to oversee bilateral counter-narcotics and cross-border

Is Peace Actually on the Horizon in Afghanistan?

The momentum for peace in Afghanistan is growing. The progress over the last year is far more than many “Afghan hands” have imagined. At present, U.S.-Taliban talks are apparently making progress on addressing U.S. counterterrorism concerns and on U.S. military withdrawal plans and timetables. Though the Taliban have so far refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, a well-publicized informal meeting in Doha, Qatar, between Taliban members and representatives from Kabul — including women

Is Peace Actually on the Horizon in Afghanistan?

Is Peace Actually on the Horizon in Afghanistan? The momentum for peace in Afghanistan is growing. The progress over the last year is far more than many “Afghan hands” imagined. At present, U.S.-Taliban talks are apparently making progress on addressing U.S. counterterrorism concerns and on U.S. military withdrawal plans and timetables. Though the Taliban have so far refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, a well-publicized informal meeting in Doha, Qatar between Taliban members and r
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2019 - Interviews, Talks, Speeches, Presentations

Amazon.com: El Tercer Pais: San Diego & Tijuana Two Countries, Two Cities, One Community eBook: Malone, Michael S.: Kindle Store

The product of scores of interviews with citizens of San Diego and Tijuana – from everyday working folks to the leading figures – this is the first book ever to look at the two-hundred-year history of the two cities and chart how their relationship has evolved from conflict to interdependence to cooperation. El Tercer Pais combines hard-nosed journalism with insiders’ perspectives to create a celebratory look at how the two cities have gone beyond decades of distrust and wariness to become the m

AMLO’s first year: Mexico’s political, economic, and security trends

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) assumed office in December 2018, promising to bring a fourth revolution to Mexico and to reduce Mexico’s inequality, corruption, and violent crime. Yet a year into his administration, homicides and violent criminality in Mexico have not diminished. While the new government has undertaken new security initiatives and adopted new anti-crime priorities, the brazenness of organized crime has increased. Despite anti-corruption efforts, the country’

Trump's Plan to Label Mexican Drug Cartels as Terrorists Could Backfire in a Big Way

This article originally appeared on VICE US. Within a matter of two months, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel brazenly killed 13 Mexican police officers; the Sinaloa cartel took an entire city hostage after the arrest of one of its leaders; and nine U.S.-citizen women and children were massacred in northern Mexico. Soon after, President Donald Trump proposed a solution: designate the cartels as terrorist organizations. The idea of designating Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations may not

Argentina's elections and its divided Congress with Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne

(Part two of a two-part interview) Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne joins American Ambassadors Live! Podcast host Ambassador G. Philip Hughes for a discussion surrounding Argentina's recent election results, it's divided Congress, and it's economic standing. Ambassador Wayne served as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and Argentina. This podcast was recorded on November 8, 2019.

Cartel violence, AMLO and USMCA with Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne (Part One)

(Part one of a two-part interview)Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne joins American Ambassadors Live! Podcast host Ambassador G. Philip Hughes in a discussion surrounding recent episodes of cartel violence in Mexico, the USMCA deal, and the development of U.S.-Mexico relations and policy from President Felipe Calderon to Mexico's current president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO). Ambassador Wayne served as U.S. Ambassador to both Mexico and Argentina.

A Conversation with Afghanistan First Lady Rula Ghani

An armchair discussion with the First Lady of Afghanistan Rula Ghani. The conversation will focus on the progress of women and their role in the peace process in Afghanistan. Women have made great economic and social strides in the past 15 years. More than 3.6 million girls are in school and women are now allowed to work, both of which are essential to peace and stability in Afghanistan. However, the work is not over.
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2018 Articles

US, Mexico defy expectations by cooperating on immigration

Mexico and the United States are defying expectations by identifying ways to cooperate on the contentious issues surrounding migration. Since Mexico’s new president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), took office on Dec. 1, U.S. and Mexican officials have hammered out a dual-track approach to tackling the flow and management of migrants heading northward from Central America to Mexico and the United States. One track is a cooperative multi-year strategy designed to help keep potential migrant

Narcos: Transnational Cartels and Border Security

Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, and public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, D.C. Cooperation between Mexico and the United States regarding transnational crime is vital for the wellbeing of both countries. Both societies pay a high price for the illegal traffic in drugs, money, guns and people that cross our common border. The effective and efficient operation of the border itself is vital for the $1 million a minute of commerce between the

The Time to Build Lasting Bonds Between the US and Mexico is Now

Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, and public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, D.C. The moment is ripe for the United States to double down on efforts to build a stronger relationship with Mexico for the longer term. Serious short-term problems need to be managed in a way that solidifies cooperation for the years ahead. On Saturday, Dec. 1, Mexico’s new president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), took office for a six-year term. He also no

The time to build lasting bonds between US and Mexico is now

The moment is ripe for the United States to double down on efforts to build a stronger relationship with Mexico for the longer term. Serious short-term problems need to be managed in a way that solidifies cooperation for the years ahead. On Saturday, Mexico’s new President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), takes office for six years. He will also control both chambers of Mexico’s Congress. AMLO wants to focus on the “transformation” of Mexico, and major domestic reforms are the top priorities

Afghanistan: Praiseworthy Economic Reforms, But Path to Peace Offers the Big Dividend

International donors will convene in Geneva in late November to discuss the social and economic progress made in Afghanistan since the Brussels Donor Conference in 2016. The economic advances made by the Afghan government give donors reasons to be pleased about the results from their pledge to provide $15 billion in assistance through 2020, conditional on the government making progress on the reform program agreed upon in Brussels. In Geneva, donors should praise the reforms made while making cl

US Spotlight Fixed Squarely on AMLO as He Prepares to Take Reins in Mexico

Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, and public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, D.C. On Dec. 1, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) will be sworn in as Mexico’s president. AMLO’s presidency will have important ramifications for the United States. Through trade, travel, heritage and history, U.S.-Mexico relations touch the daily lives of more American citizens than ties with any other country. The two countries trade over $1 million a minute, ha

Afghanistan Is Making Economic Progress but Needs Peace

International donors will have some good news when they gather to review Afghanistan’s economic progress on November 27–28 in Geneva. While peace prospects , Taliban attacks , and Afghanistan’s unsettled politics will be on everyone’s mind, donors can applaud positive reviews of Afghan performance from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as welcome steps. Afghanistan’s partners should still make clear, however, that continued aid depends on continued reform. Donor governmen

US spotlight fixed squarely on AMLO as he takes reins in Mexico

On Dec. 1, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) will be sworn in as Mexico’s president. AMLO’s presidency will have important ramifications for the United States. Through trade, travel, heritage and history, U.S.-Mexico relations touch the daily lives of more American citizens than ties with any other country. The two countries trade over $1 million a minute, have over $100 billion in mutual investment and share a million border crossings a day. AMLO promises a historic “transformation,” with wi

Central American Caravan Crisis Is a Chance to Forge a Better US Immigration Policy

Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, and public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, D.C. U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands for neighboring governments to stop the most recent migrant caravan heading to the United States from Central America highlight the pressing need for a regionwide strategy to deal with migration flows. With the current caravan, the government of Mexico is caught between the forceful U.S. requests for action and portions of

Caravan 'crisis' a chance to forge better immigration policy

President Trump Donald John TrumpTrump to fundraise for 3 Republicans running for open seats: report Trump to nominate former Monsanto exec to top Interior position White House aides hadn’t heard of Trump's new tax cut: report MORE’s demands for neighboring governments to stop the most recent migrant caravan heading to the U.S. from Central America highlight the pressing need for a region-wide strategy to deal with migration flows. With the current caravan, the government of Mexico is caught be

If Approved, the New NAFTA Will End the Tyranny of Uncertainty

Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, and public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, D.C. The new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a welcome step. If approved by each country’s legislature, the agreement will dissolve the uncertainty that has hovered over North America’s commercial and production networks for the last two years. A new rules-based agreement can be a major plus for the $1.2 trillion continental market. It is very important no

Special Envoys, ‘Silos’ and Coherent International Policy

Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, D.C. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently appointed four special envoys to help him manage high priority portfolios regarding Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, and North Korea. His actions are understandable and can yield valuable results, if implemented well. The nomination and confirmation process for senior State Department positions in Washington and overseas has been terribly slow

New NAFTA will end the tyranny of uncertainty if approved

The new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a welcome step. If approved by each country’s legislature, the agreement will dissolve the uncertainty that has hovered over North America’s commercial and production networks for the last two years. A new rules-based agreement can be a major plus for the 1.2 trillion dollar continental market. It is very important now, however, to have good assessments of the potential results that will flow from the agreement. While President Trump lauds the po

Special Envoys, “Silos” and Coherent International Policy

Secretary of State Pompeo recently appointed four special envoys to help him manage high priority portfolios regarding Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, and North Korea. His actions are understandable and can yield valuable results, if implemented well.  The nomination and confirmation process for senior State Department positions in Washington and overseas has been terribly slow, yet the world has not slowed.

9 Million Reasons for the US to Get a Trade Deal Done with Canada

Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, D.C. As U.S. and Canadian officials resumed trade negotiations in Washington earlier this month, it is vital to realize that the United States gains massively from its economic relationship with Canada. Ending the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and moving ahead with only a new U.S.-Mexico trade agreement, as the White House has threatened to do, would damage the Unit

Argentina Deserves US, IMF Support along Rough Road to Recovery

Former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Argentina, and public policy fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center in Washington, D.C. Argentina faces a new economic storm in the midst of extraordinary efforts to restructure its economy and to move against ingrained corruption. Argentina itself must take and implement the hard decisions to succeed on both fronts, but it deserves strong support from its international partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United States

9 million reasons to get a trade deal done with Canada

As U.S. and Canadian officials resume trade negotiations in Washington, it is vital to realize that the United States gains massively from its economic relationship with Canada. Ending the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and moving ahead with only a new U.S.-Mexico trade agreement, as the White House has threatened, would damage the U.S. and Canada. Compared to what is at stake for the United States, the remaining U.S.-Canada trade differences are small and resolvable.

Argentina deserves US, IMF support on rough road to recovery

Argentina faces a new economic storm in the midst of extraordinary efforts to restructure its economy and to move against ingrained corruption. Argentina itself must take and implement the hard decisions to succeed on both fronts, but it deserves strong support from its international partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United States and the investment community, as it strives to achieve these laudable goals.

US-Mexico deal means very little without Canada

The “preliminary agreement in principle” between Mexico and the United States is an important step forward in the effort to agree on a modernized trade agreement in North America. It is important to recognize, however, that the bilateral U.S.-Mexico agreement is not a good substitute for a trilateral agreement that brings in Canada, America’s largest trading partner. Much work lies ahead to agree upon a new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that will significantly benefit the United

Trump's New Trade Agreement: What's In It?

On August 27, US President Donald J. Trump and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto announced an initial agreement on a new bilateral trade relationship . The negotiations were initially intended to be a start for wider conversations on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), including the third treaty partner, Canada. During the announcement, however, Trump implied that he may choose to negotiate bilaterally with Canada instead of reviving the tripartite agreement.
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2018 Interviews, Speeches and Presentations

December 2018: Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne | Season 2018 Episode 12 | Suncoast Business Forum

Our trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, America's biggest trading partners, was just torn up and rewritten. Tariffs on imports from China and other countries are in affect and could go higher. Is the New World Order changing? And if so, where does the U.S. fit in? Former U.S. Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne will be our special guest to give an inside perspective on America's role. Ran 15 times, from December 2018 through March 2019.

Between Free Trade and 'America First': Analyzing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

After a two-year period of uncertainty on the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the United States Mexico and Canada reached a new deal on the U.S. self-imposed deadline of September 30. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is now pending approval from each country’s legislature. If approved, what potential results will come from the agreement? The Wilson Center’s Canada and Mexico Institutes hosted a discussion on the beginning of a new era in North America’s trade

A Modernized NAFTA

The new trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico “modernizes” the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and lifts a cloud of uncertainty that has lingered over the past several months, according to Earl Anthony Wayne, a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Global Business and Economics Program.In negotiations that went down to the wire, Canada agreed on September 30 to join the United States and Mexico in a revised version of NAFTA.

Telephone Briefing "The U.S.-Mexico Trade Deal: Is This the End of NAFTA?"

Yesterday, after more than a year of negotiations, the United States and Mexico announced a trade deal that resolves several contested bilateral issues. However, this tentative deal does not include Canada, which will join in negotiations this week. The deal has implications for jobs, manufacturing, and competitiveness across the continent. What does it mean for North American trade? What is the likelihood that the three countries will reach a trilateral trade agreement? What impact will this have on U.S.-Mexico relations? Senior Wilson Center experts discussed the implications of the U.S.-Mexico trade deal and what the next steps entail in this telephone briefing.
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2017 Artices

It's in America's National Interest to Stay in NAFTA

President Trump’s new national security strategy stresses the importance of promoting America’s prosperity and security. It highlights rivalry and competition with China and Russia and underscores the importance of strengthening international alliances where partners shoulder their responsibilities. Our North American neighbors, Mexico and Canada, should be priority partners under President Donald Trump’s new strategy for enhancing U.S. security and prosperity. Both are willing and effective pa

Avoid an American “Brexit” with NAFTA

The United States, Mexico, and Canada are in the midst of renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which came into force in 1994. Millions of jobs, massive cross-border production networks, and broader cooperation on fighting transnational crime are at stake. Today, trade among the three countries has grown almost four times, supporting up to 14 million U.S. jobs and generating $1.3 trillion of commerce each year. The security, political, and economic costs and consequence

Beyond Trade: The Costs and Consequences of Exiting NAFTA

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a free trade agreement signed by Canada, Mexico and the United States in 1993 and came into force on January 1st, 1994.  After more than 23 years of successful economic cooperation, supporting 14 million U.S. jobs and generating $1.2 trillion of commerce each year, the trade agreement is now being renegotiated and faces very tough challenges as the U.S. administration is pursuing major changes, not just a modernization.

Ditching NAFTA not in America's best interests

Texas has the most to lose of any U.S. state if NAFTA talks go wrong. It has a great deal to gain if the talks to modernize NAFTA go well. Now that the negotiations have slowed over controversial U.S. proposals, Texans and their elected federal and state representatives should be making very clear to the Trump administration team overseeing the NAFTA negotiations that they should do no harm to the massive Texas-Mexico trade relationship, and rather focus on creating new opportunities. The contr

Ditching NAFTA not in America's best interests

Texas has the most to lose of any U.S. state if NAFTA talks go wrong. It has a great deal to gain if the talks to modernize NAFTA go well. Now that the negotiations have slowed over controversial U.S. proposals, Texans and their elected federal and state representatives should be making very clear to the Trump administration team overseeing the NAFTA negotiations that they should do no harm to the massive Texas-Mexico trade relationship, and rather focus on creating new opportunities.

The New Afghanistan Policy Is Set. The Question Is How to Implement It.

The focus now should be on the implementation of the new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan and the region. Commentators debate the pros and cons of the approach, but it is now U.S. policy. It requires careful coordination and integration of the tools of American power—military, diplomatic, economic and development—to move toward its objective: a negotiated Afghan political settlement. The policy’s specifics must now be defined and executed.

North America’s Agenda for 2017 and Beyond

Continental supply chains that link Canada, the United States and Mexico mean that much of what is produced in each country has content from its neighbors. For example, a CRV SUV built in Jalisco, Mexico, has inputs of 70% from the United States and Canada. To establish these supply and production chains, private firms in all three countries have invested in their neighbors: U.S. companies have invested about 386 billion dollars in Canada and 108 billion dollars in Mexico.

Many of Trump's NAFTA goals aren't new — they're from the TPP

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced a set of U.S. trade objectives for a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Monday. The objectives seem to offer a bit to everyone, trade skeptics and trade advocates alike. To do so, they use strong yet vague rhetoric on protectionists’ priorities, like the trade deficit, while promising to maintain and expand market access for U.S. farmers, manufacturers and the broader business community.

The US and Mexico: Education and Mutual Understanding

Last week, officials from the U.S. and Mexico revitalized their commitment to fight cross-border smuggling of drugs, arms and money. U.S. officials recognized America’s demand for drugs as “the magnet” that feeds drug smuggling, and Mexico committed to tackle jointly the elements of the cartels’ business model. While illegal immigration and drugs dominate much of the public discourse around U.S.-Mexico relations, the partnership between these countries is vital and dynamic in many other ways.
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2017 Interviews, Speeches and Presentations

Beyond Trade: The Costs and Consequences of Exiting NAFTA

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a free trade agreement signed by Canada, Mexico and the United States in 1993 and came into force on January 1st, 1994.  After more than 23 years of successful economic cooperation, supporting 14 million U.S. jobs and generating $1.2 trillion of commerce each year, the trade agreement is now being renegotiated and faces very tough challenges as the U.S. administration is pursuing major changes, not just a modernization.

Private Sector Engagement in Afghanistan

Private sector development in Afghanistan is a crucial topic for U.S engagement in the region. Between 2002 and 2010, about 57 billion US dollars of official development assistance (ODA) was disbursed to Afghanistan for purposes of reconstruction and development. Less than five percent of the ODA has gone towards private sector development in Afghanistan, with most of the money allocated to infrastructure, agriculture and rural development, and governance.

Tackling North America’s Workforce Challenges, NASCO Conference, Dallas, Texas

As North America strengthens its global competitive advantage in advanced manufacturing and logistics, we are facing significant and growing labor market shortfalls. We share a common challenge, and also a common opportunity, to “up-skill” and grow our next generation of front-line manufacturing and logistics workers by streamlining and harmonizing our approach to standards and training, and to bring maximum value to workforce credentials.

Presentation to the U.S.-Mexico Border Mayors Association – Binational Summit, San Diego, CA

NAFTA 2.0 is a big opportunity for San Diego and the entire U.S.-Mexico border region. From the perspective of the cities and states along the U.S.-Mexico border there are two big objectives: first, do no harm to the massive trade, production and investment networks that support over a million U.S. jobs in the border states; and second, assure that NAFTA 2.0 creates new opportunities for economic growth, more fluid commercial border flows, and steps that will make cross-border production more competitive internationally.

Discussion Focuses on the Future of Afghanistan at SAIS Johns Hopkins University

Analysts and former ambassadors talked about possible U.S. policy and strategy toward Afghanistan in the upcoming Trump administration. They assessed the current situation in the region, and laid out what they thought were key priorities for the incoming administration to pursue in order to achieve further security, stability and autonomy for Afghanistan’s government and people. Analysts and former ambassadors talked about possible U.S. policy and strategy toward Afghanistan in the upcoming Tru

2016 Articles

Shaping the New National Security Council

Many around the world and across the United States are watching with rapt attention reports about President-elect Trump’s potential national security team. His choices will be vital in shaping America’s international role for the years ahead. After forty years as U.S. diplomat, having worked through presidential transitions, I am watching from the outside, teaching about foreign policy decision-making at Hamilton College this semester.

Why the Brussels Donor Conference Should Recommit to Afghanistan

This week, the European Union and the Afghan government will co-host the third in a series of conferences in Brussels that will convene Afghanistan’s partners to discuss future foreign assistance commitments. At the 2012 Conference in Tokyo seventy international donors promised to mobilize $16 billion for Afghanistan in total foreign assistance over the subsequent four years, with the United States expected to cover about half of the amount.

The business community is the driving force behind North America’s economic strength

On June 29, President Obama, Prime Minister Trudeau, and President Peña Nieto will meet in Ottawa for a North American Leaders Summit (NALS). While often ignored or criticized, America’s relations with Canada and Mexico touch the daily lives of more U.S. citizens than any other relationships in the world.  Positive, productive relations among neighbors will help generate the well-being and economic growth our citizens seek.

North America Must Compete Globally

Contrary to campaign rhetoric, the integration of North America over the past quarter century has successfully grown the continental economy and enabled it to compete in global markets. And, in North America this has been done without the centralized institutions that UK voters just rejected. The June 29 North American Leaders' Summit in Ottawa offers an opportunity to launch even smarter collaboration across Canada, Mexico, and the United States that respects the sovereignty of each partner.

North America Must Compete Globally

Contrary to campaign rhetoric, the integration of North America over the past quarter century has successfully grown the continental economy and enabled it to compete in global markets. And, in North America this has been done without the centralized institutions that UK voters just rejected. The June 29 North American Leaders’ Summit in Ottawa offers an opportunity to launch even smarter collaboration across Canada, Mexico, and the United States that respects the sovereignty of each partner.

Three Amigos, five important results for Trudeau, Obama and Peña Nieto

Michael Kergin is a former Canadian ambassador to the U.S.; Earl Anthony Wayne is a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and Arturo Sarukhan is former Mexican ambassador to the U.S. This week's North American Leaders' Summit (NALS) in Ottawa is the first time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Barack Obama and President Enrique Peña Nieto will discuss issues affecting the continent together.

North American Leaders Must Not Surrender to Nativism

Relations among North America’s three big neighbors are much more important to their citizens’ self-interest than the great majority of those citizens realize. The U.S. media’s focus on Mexico is too often negative, while Canada frequently gets neglected. The political campaign season in the United States has magnified negative statements about North American ties by candidates building on stereotypes and false premises.

Toward A Cleaner And Leaner Energy Future For North America

Energy and Environment will be key topics when the leaders of North America gather for a Summit in Canada on June 29.  Because of a closer orientation among the three governments, the leaders of Canada, Mexico and the United States have a real opportunity to think about cooperation across our continent in a new way.  President Obama, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Peña Nieto can enunciate a shared strategic vision of energy security and environmental protection.
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2011-2015 Op-Eds and other items published while Wayne served as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico

Juntos Contra la Trata de Personas

Durante mis 40 años como diplomático he tenido el privilegio de descubrir tanto los mejores como los peores aspectos de países alrededor del mundo, incluido el mío. Uno de los temas más difíciles que he trabajado en múltiples naciones ha sido el aumento de la trata de personas. En mis casi cuatro años como embajador en México me he percatado agudamente de cómo el tráfico de personas es una plaga en este país y en nuestra región, América del Norte, como un todo.

Trabajar en innovación es la nueva fase de las relaciones de México y EU

El embajador de Estados Unidos en México señala que hay que ir más allá de los intercambios comerciales y de inversión. Anthony Wayne, representante en México del gobierno de Estados Unidos, anunciará esta semana la firma de un Memorándum de Entendimiento entre las dos naciones con objeto de establecer programas de intercambio de pasantías para que mexicanos puedan acudir por algunas semanas a Estados Unidos y viceversa...

Una prensa libre, vital para la democracia

El sábado 3 de mayo celebramos el Día Mundial de la Libertad de Prensa, una ocasión para que los países conmemoren los principios fundamentales de este derecho, evalúen su estado a escala mundial, defiendan a los medios de los ataques contra su independencia y rindan tributo a los periodistas que han perdido sus vidas en la línea del deber. http://www.milenio.com/opinion/anthony-wayne/columna-anthony-wayne/una-prensa-libre-vital-para-la-democracia

Contra la trata, primero identificar a las víctimas

La trata de personas debe preocupar a cada individuo, porque es la degradación de nuestra humanidad común. Debe preocupar a cada comunidad porque desgarra el tejido social. Debe preocupar a cada empresa porque distorsiona los mercados. Debe preocupar a cada nación porque pone en peligro la salud pública y alimenta la violencia y el crimen organizado. Estoy hablando de la injusticia, de la brutalidad de la trata de personas, a la que debe llamarse por su verdadero nombre: esclavitud moderna .

El Universal - Opinion - Celebrando los avances en derechos humanos

El Día Internacional de los Derechos Humanos, que celebramos cada 10 de diciembre, conmemora la adopción de la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos por la Asamblea General de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas en 1948. Al adoptar la declaración, Estados Unidos, México y gobiernos alrededor del mundo reconocieron que los seres humanos son, por virtud de su nacimiento, investidos con ciertos derechos inalienables, y que éstos sirven como “fundamentos de la libertad, la justicia y la paz alrededor del mundo".

Día Mundial de Lucha contra el Sida

Alrededor del mundo, la atención de la gente se ha volcado sobre México por la toma de posesión de otro presidente libremente electo, Enrique Peña Nieto. Pero cada año, el 1º de diciembre también conmemoramos el Día Mundial de la Lucha contra el Sida (síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida), y reflexionamos sobre las vidas perdidas a causa de este padecimiento. Es una oportunidad de rendir tributo a los 34 millones de personas que viven con VIH (virus de inmunodeficiencia humana) en todo el mundo. Hoy celebramos las vidas que se han salvado y que han mejorado, y volvemos a comprometernos con la lucha contra el Sida...

Combatir la esclavitud moderna: la trata de personas

El 22 de septiembre de 1862, el presidente Abraham Lincoln anunció la Proclamación de Emancipación, que liberó a casi cuatro millones de hombres, mujeres y niños de las cadenas de la esclavitud y comprometió a Estados Unidos a terminar con este delito en toda la nación. Al conmemorar el 150 aniversario de este gran paso en la promoción de derechos humanos en Estados Unidos; países alrededor del mundo, incluyendo Estados Unidos, continúan marcados por servidumbre involuntaria y llevan el yugo de los mitos que la apoyan. Para erradicar esta moderna aflicción a la sociedad debemos de reconocer estos mitos y reemplazarlos con la verdad...
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1996-2009 Articles, interviews and other public references.

During his time in the U.S. Foreign Service, Earl Anthony Wayne published a number of articles and spoke at a number of conferences and seminars as well as testifying before the U.S. Congress. 

Transatlantic Cooperation: New Strategies for New Issues

Burros, William, and University of Pittsburgh. Center for West European Studies. Global Security Beyond 2000: Global Population Growth, Environmental Degradation, Migration, And Transnational Organized Crime : November 2-3, 1995, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA : Conference Report. Pittsburgh, PA: Center for West European Studies, University of Pittsburgh, 1996.

1987-1989 Articles published in The Christian Science Monitor

Mr. Wayne was the National Security Correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor based in Washington, D.C. from summer of 1987 through summer of 1989.  This is a listing of the articles he authored.

1977-78 Articles on China

While working on Chinese Affairs at the Department of State, Wayne published two scholarly articles.

Spring, 1978  "The Politics of Re-staffing China's Provinces: 1976-77," Contemporary China. Volume II Number 1

April, 1977    "China and the Third World," Contemporary China. Volume 1 Number 7