An Assessment of Carter Administration Relations with Mexico,

Considering the Mexican premise and approaching the problem from a perspective of conflict, the strain in U.S.-Mexico relations may reflect a state of inevitable tension that allows an acceptable venting of hostilities. It assures an arms length relationship that satisfies the Mexican need for respect of sovereignty and independence and it prevents Mexico from being smothered in the bosom of Americas cooperative friendship. The benefit to the United States is that acceptance of such a relationship, while initially disconcerting, allows the United States to change from a repentant giant seeking satisficing solutions to a nation that identifies and pursues its national interests with firm resolution.