Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead.

• Author: Smyslova, Alina A.
• Position: FURTHER READING - Book review

TWO NATIONS INDIVISIBLE: MEXICO, THE UNITED SATES, AND THE ROAD AHEAD

Shannon K. O'Neil

(New York: Oxford University Press, 2013), 153 pages.

Most Americans' knowledge of Mexico is limited to drug cartels, skyrocketing murder rates, and illegal immigration. This is not surprising as news stories and policy debates focus primarily on these issues. But, according to Shannon O'Neil, the bigger story is much more positive. Over the last two decades, Mexico has undergone an immense transformation--a growing middle class, rising demands for democracy, and a flourishing independent press. In Two Nations Indivisible, O'Neil argues that Mexico today stands at a crossroads, and its path will greatly affect the United States. To prevent Mexico from being consumed by its problems--and negatively impacting the United States--the two countries must develop a partnership across all sectors. By trying to distance itself, the United States will only fulfill a doomsday prophecy.

Two Nations Indivisible is filled with enlightening facts and studies to support O'Neil's argument, which touches on issues of immigration, economy, rule of law, and more. The factual information is intermixed with short personal...