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Reaching across the Border: Intergovernmental Relations between Texas and Mexico (Policy Research Project Reports Series)
Reaching across the Border Intergovernmental Relations between Texas and Mexico - Policy Research Project Reports Series Author:Peter Ward Texas enjoys an especially important strategic relationship with Mexico. Not only does it share 1,248 miles of border with Mexico, but Texas has also maintained its position as the United States' largest exporting state to Mexico, totaling some $36.3 billion in goods in 1998. NAFTA has provided a foundation for this economic success, prov... more »iding a basis for open lines of communication and free, fair trade. In addition, for more than a decade state leaders led by the governor have worked to foster alliances between Texas, Mexican border states, and the Mexican federal government. Although economic issues primarily drive this special relationship, political relevance, geographical proximity, and some cultural similarities also influence its formation. This study is the first to systematically analyze this unique intergovernmental relationship. The first two chapters discuss the constitutionality of state-federal international relations, describe the legislative structures in Mexico and Texas, and provide a profile of the legislators interviewed. Chapters three through six evaluate the modes of contact, the level of communication, the extent of cooperation, and the ways in which public policy officials on either side of the border view each other within four major public policy arenas: Criminal Justice, Trade and Commerce, Transportation, and Environmental Policy. The authors conclude that while Texas and Mexico currently enjoy a strong relationship based on mutual advantage, the future of this relationship depends on honest dialogue and continued commitment between the two governments.« less