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Hidden Dangers: Mexico on the Brink of Disaster
Mexico is undergoing economic and political changes that lie like landmines ready to explode beneath Uncle Sam's footsteps.
By the close of the first decade of the twenty-first century Mexico-United States relations had begun to shred. The leaders of the two countries shared a master-servant facade of cooperation and commitment but faced eroding control of the economy, the flourishing drug trade and human rights issues. Despite the propaganda to the contrary every year millions of Mexicans sank into poverty, their lands expropriated and the prices of basic necessities soaring. ICE agents swept through factories, farms and construction sites from Maine to California herding handcuffed "illegals" into detention facilities. Both countries ignored human rights violations and corruption in order to maintain control over Mexico's pro-neoliberal administration. Violence associated with the "War on Drugs" took over 70,000 lives without materially diminished the U.S. market for cocaine, marijuana and designer drugs. Brutal repression of citizen protest provoked ongoing international criticism and alienated millions of Mexican citizens. The country's dependence on oil exports to finance social programs pressured the state-controlled monopoly to cut corners, creating pipeline leaks and other environmental disasters.
Hidden Dangers focuses on the period 2000-2010 and pinpoints five major "landmines" that seriously threaten both countries social and political structures. It includes first-hand observations of devaluations, political repressions and border conflicts and commentaries and analyses from officials and academics on both sides of the frontier. The five principal sections investigate migration and its effects on both Mexico and the United States, the drug trade's influence on the economies and politics of both countries, popular uprisings that challenge U.S. influence and neo-liberal politics, how Mexico's deeply rooted "politics of corruption" binds the entrepreneurial and banking systems to government processes and environmental disasters, both real and in the making, created by the oil, lumber and cattle industries, toxic waste, floods and poisoned waterways.
By the close of the first decade of the twenty-first century Mexico-United States relations had begun to shred. The leaders of the two countries shared a master-servant facade of cooperation and commitment but faced eroding control of the economy, the flourishing drug trade and human rights issues. Despite the propaganda to the contrary every year millions of Mexicans sank into poverty, their lands expropriated and the prices of basic necessities soaring. ICE agents swept through factories, farms and construction sites from Maine to California herding handcuffed "illegals" into detention facilities. Both countries ignored human rights violations and corruption in order to maintain control over Mexico's pro-neoliberal administration. Violence associated with the "War on Drugs" took over 70,000 lives without materially diminished the U.S. market for cocaine, marijuana and designer drugs. Brutal repression of citizen protest provoked ongoing international criticism and alienated millions of Mexican citizens. The country's dependence on oil exports to finance social programs pressured the state-controlled monopoly to cut corners, creating pipeline leaks and other environmental disasters.
Hidden Dangers focuses on the period 2000-2010 and pinpoints five major "landmines" that seriously threaten both countries social and political structures. It includes first-hand observations of devaluations, political repressions and border conflicts and commentaries and analyses from officials and academics on both sides of the frontier. The five principal sections investigate migration and its effects on both Mexico and the United States, the drug trade's influence on the economies and politics of both countries, popular uprisings that challenge U.S. influence and neo-liberal politics, how Mexico's deeply rooted "politics of corruption" binds the entrepreneurial and banking systems to government processes and environmental disasters, both real and in the making, created by the oil, lumber and cattle industries, toxic waste, floods and poisoned waterways.
216 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2014
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About the author
Robert Joe Stout
15 books45 followersROBERT JOE STOUT is a journalist who has worked as a magazine editor, newspaper reporter, copy editor and contributing editor. The author of Hidden Dangers, Mexico on the Brink of Disaster; Why Immigrants Come to America; and The Blood of the Serpent: Mexican Lives plus the novels Where Gringos Don't Belong; Running Out the Hurt; and Miss Sally, he has published nonfiction widely in magazines, journals, and newspapers. His short fiction has appeared in literary and trade magazines and his poetry includes the books Monkey Screams and A Perfect Throw. He lives in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Blog at http://mexicoconamor.files.wordpress....
Blog at http://mexicoconamor.files.wordpress....
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 27, 2015
As a native Southern Californian I have been interested in Mexico and Central America my entire life. In the last 10 years I have made an effort to read and understand as much as I could about the Mexican Revolution and, to some extent, 19th century Mexican history. My wife is a Mexicana and hence, my extended family, are all from Mexico. I enjoy listening to their stories of the old country and what prompted their immigration to the United States.
This book, of recent Mexican events and history, is one of the most fascinating current events books I've read in a very long time. Issues of the real reasons for the development of the "drug cartels" and border problems are addressed in a clear and logical manner. The reasons for, and the true impact of, Mexican immigration are addressed in a compelling fashion. The book examines corruption in Mexico and how it fits, "hand in glove" with American interests- especially as it relates to the "War on Drugs". I was troubled and captivated by the relationship between the Mexican government and the Mexican media. It takes profound courage to break from that grasp and speak the truth as a journalist in Mexico.
I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciated this fine work by Robert Joe Stout who actually lives in Mexico and has an extraordinary grasp on the history, culture, and current socio-political milieu of the country. If, like me, you have a hunger for deeper understanding of the real issues in contemporary Mexico you must read this excellent book.
This book, of recent Mexican events and history, is one of the most fascinating current events books I've read in a very long time. Issues of the real reasons for the development of the "drug cartels" and border problems are addressed in a clear and logical manner. The reasons for, and the true impact of, Mexican immigration are addressed in a compelling fashion. The book examines corruption in Mexico and how it fits, "hand in glove" with American interests- especially as it relates to the "War on Drugs". I was troubled and captivated by the relationship between the Mexican government and the Mexican media. It takes profound courage to break from that grasp and speak the truth as a journalist in Mexico.
I can't emphasize enough how much I appreciated this fine work by Robert Joe Stout who actually lives in Mexico and has an extraordinary grasp on the history, culture, and current socio-political milieu of the country. If, like me, you have a hunger for deeper understanding of the real issues in contemporary Mexico you must read this excellent book.
September 27, 2015
Stout's book is a detailed study of the status quo in Mexico and its relationship with its uber-powerful Northern neighbour. Based in Oaxaca, Robert Joe Stout's writing often reflects detailed local knowledge and overall, his grip on Mexican and Mexican-USA affairs is profound. The book falls into 5 main chapters where various 'landmines' awaiting explosion are discussed. From migration to the cutthroat 'War on Drugs', from the environment to political activism and corruption. The poise of Stout is always of an educated man yet he has a Derridean presence, enough to see the wider picture and to target a worldwide readership. I love the way he interlinks words and phrases from Mexico such a 'Cuatear' and 'debajo el agua'. I found the War on Drugs to be a noteworthy chapter - it is very difficult to see a solution to this militarized situation and with 50000 deaths already and 70% of Mexico's cash being generated by the illegal drug industry, there are no easy solutions to this landmine. The author's work here builds on other detailed studies I have read on this situation such as Joan Grillo's 'El Narco'. I found the chapter on corruption to be where the author was most freeflowing and insightful. The detail in this chapter, combined with direct local knowledge and research gives this book an edge on other contemporary studies on Mexico. Overall, I loved Stout's revelations in 'Hidden Dangers' and as a Translation / Hispanic Studies student at Cardiff University I hope that this book and its contents can be featured on future courses at the institution. Five Star Rating.
February 6, 2015
Deal Breaker – A review of the book ‘Hidden Dangers’
“The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to yourself.”
― Plato
Author Robert Joe Stout’s book ‘Hidden Dangers: Mexico on the Brink of Disaster’ provides a compelling overview of the country’s political, economic and social changes that have taken place in the years 2000 - 2010. Focussing on the historical and the contemporary relation with its neighbour the United States of America, the author lists five ‘landmines’ that could shred this relationship. Armed with a strong array of first hand reports, observations, interviews with officials and superior analysis; the author exposes the potential downside to the social and political settings of both the countries if the problems are left untreated.
Taking up five main areas of discord and misunderstanding between Mexico and U.S.A, the book presents a multifaceted take on the current state of Mexico’s socio and political environment. It highlights issues like the problem of unchecked production and distribution of drugs because of high demand from U.S. and the ever increasing gang violence. It also looks at how the famed War on Drugs has actually contributed to more deaths than curbing the demand of drugs. It discusses the unchecked migration problem of Mexican youths travelling to U.S. in search of employment and the United States militarized persecution of such illegal workers. It also covers the various uprisings and protest movements that has emerged of late challenging the U.S influence and neo liberal politics of the land. The book also manages to analyze Mexico's economic, political and social settings within the politics of corruption. And how this backlash will affect modern day Mexico and the implications it will have on the Mexico-U.S. relationship.
This book also raises many important questions that are critical to understanding Mexico's current economic and political challenges. Mainly how it continues to drown in debt in spite of opening up trade with NAFTA and export of oil. The reasons why it hasn’t been able to sustain all inclusive economic development is another issue addressed. The failure of repeated governments in not being able to provide for the welfare of its citizens and how it’s affecting the social fabric of the country is also discussed in great detail.
This book is exhaustively researched and told with the journalistic nitty-gritty style that presents both a historical and modern overview of the Mexican society and politics. Tackling various social elements in its endeavour to form opinion and relevant commentary, the book takes into account the voices of different policy makers, organizations, workers and others. The book also delves into detail the strengths and weaknesses of the relationship between Mexico and the United States. And with respect to the issue of migration, trade and criminal activities, a host of policies and processes are addressed to improve the prevailing relationship between the two countries.
Balanced and objective Hidden Dangers: Mexico on the Brink of Disaster provides a different and refreshing approach to understanding the country of Mexico. It presents a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of modern day Mexico that helps in better understanding its position on migration, war on drugs, business & commerce and political uprisings. This scholarly work is highly accessible and anyone who picks this book up is sure to take away something useful from it.
“The heaviest penalty for declining to rule is to be ruled by someone inferior to yourself.”
― Plato
Author Robert Joe Stout’s book ‘Hidden Dangers: Mexico on the Brink of Disaster’ provides a compelling overview of the country’s political, economic and social changes that have taken place in the years 2000 - 2010. Focussing on the historical and the contemporary relation with its neighbour the United States of America, the author lists five ‘landmines’ that could shred this relationship. Armed with a strong array of first hand reports, observations, interviews with officials and superior analysis; the author exposes the potential downside to the social and political settings of both the countries if the problems are left untreated.
Taking up five main areas of discord and misunderstanding between Mexico and U.S.A, the book presents a multifaceted take on the current state of Mexico’s socio and political environment. It highlights issues like the problem of unchecked production and distribution of drugs because of high demand from U.S. and the ever increasing gang violence. It also looks at how the famed War on Drugs has actually contributed to more deaths than curbing the demand of drugs. It discusses the unchecked migration problem of Mexican youths travelling to U.S. in search of employment and the United States militarized persecution of such illegal workers. It also covers the various uprisings and protest movements that has emerged of late challenging the U.S influence and neo liberal politics of the land. The book also manages to analyze Mexico's economic, political and social settings within the politics of corruption. And how this backlash will affect modern day Mexico and the implications it will have on the Mexico-U.S. relationship.
This book also raises many important questions that are critical to understanding Mexico's current economic and political challenges. Mainly how it continues to drown in debt in spite of opening up trade with NAFTA and export of oil. The reasons why it hasn’t been able to sustain all inclusive economic development is another issue addressed. The failure of repeated governments in not being able to provide for the welfare of its citizens and how it’s affecting the social fabric of the country is also discussed in great detail.
This book is exhaustively researched and told with the journalistic nitty-gritty style that presents both a historical and modern overview of the Mexican society and politics. Tackling various social elements in its endeavour to form opinion and relevant commentary, the book takes into account the voices of different policy makers, organizations, workers and others. The book also delves into detail the strengths and weaknesses of the relationship between Mexico and the United States. And with respect to the issue of migration, trade and criminal activities, a host of policies and processes are addressed to improve the prevailing relationship between the two countries.
Balanced and objective Hidden Dangers: Mexico on the Brink of Disaster provides a different and refreshing approach to understanding the country of Mexico. It presents a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of modern day Mexico that helps in better understanding its position on migration, war on drugs, business & commerce and political uprisings. This scholarly work is highly accessible and anyone who picks this book up is sure to take away something useful from it.
December 27, 2015
Hidden Dangers points out that the situation is much more complex than just fixing one problem: illegal immigration or drugs. The author stresses this repeatedly throughout the book as he explores each axis and its repercussions on the civilian life in Mexico.
All of these myriad problems are interconnected and form a complex web. You pull one string, and the entire web feels the strain. Illegal immigration, drug trade, and threat from the cartels all exist. The question is how long can you treat the symptoms in an Ad hoc manner without really looking for a cure. Hidden Dangers is a call to authorities and leaders on both sides of the border to sit up and take notice of the worsening situation. A call to make Mexico self-sufficient and eradicate the parallel economy of drug trade. ~ http://bookreviews.infoversant.com/hi...
All of these myriad problems are interconnected and form a complex web. You pull one string, and the entire web feels the strain. Illegal immigration, drug trade, and threat from the cartels all exist. The question is how long can you treat the symptoms in an Ad hoc manner without really looking for a cure. Hidden Dangers is a call to authorities and leaders on both sides of the border to sit up and take notice of the worsening situation. A call to make Mexico self-sufficient and eradicate the parallel economy of drug trade. ~ http://bookreviews.infoversant.com/hi...
July 4, 2022
Very informative and well-referenced.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews