That does the future hold for U.S.-Mexican relations? Optimistic assessments usually point to the high degree of interpenetration between the two societies, the recent history of intergovernmental cooperation, and the commonality of basic interests. Developments in one country have significant impact on the other, a process that now works both ways: the 1982 economic crisis in Mexico created serious difficulties for retailers on the U.S. side of the border, Mexico's subsequent cutbacks in imports prompted the loss of 200,000 jobs in the U.S., and Mexico's struggles with its international debt have crucial implications for banks in the U.S. Each country needs the other, and this kind of “interdependence” creates mutuality of purpose. According to this logic, the rational pursuit of national goals will build and fortify harmonious bilateral relations.
