Spring 2016 · Issue 2
The North American Century
Who are the people and what are the policies that can make this the North American Century? And what stands in the way of North America realizing its potential?
Who are the people and what are the policies that can make this the North American Century? And what stands in the way of North America realizing its potential?
In this issue
Catalyst After Hours
North America from the Mexican Perspective
Felipe Calderón
Former Mexican President Felipe Calderón admits that as a young citizen of the United States’ southern neighbor, he fell into the common trap of preconceived notions. As he grew, he watched — and eventually steered — a prosperous relationship between the North American countries.
Unifying North America through Education
Gregory L. Fenves, Margaret Spellings
The Catalyst asked two higher education leaders — Margaret Spellings of the University of North Carolina System and Gregory Fenves of the University of Texas at Austin — to discuss the role of education in maximizing the potential of the three nations of North America.
North America's Fate Is Tied Up with Education
North America is united in many ways, but barriers still exist. How can we overcome these challenges in the classroom, ensuring that the workforce is an educated one?
Conversations
Views on North America from the Governor's Mansion to the White House
George W. Bush, William McKenzie, Matthew Rooney
Growing up in Texas and then becoming its governor before being elected the 43rd President of the U.S., George W. Bush has spent his life in the center of North America. He reflects on his personal relationships and those of the U.S. with our North American neighbors.
Opening Trade and Securing America's Borders
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-Texas)
Must we always disagree about border security? Think again. Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Austin and Democratic Rep. Beto O’Rourke of El Paso find common ground on the controversial subject.
A Stable North America Translates into Greater Security
John Baird, William McKenzie, Matthew Rooney
Canada has long enjoyed a prosperous relationship with the United States. But former Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird watched North America as a whole grow in strength and security because of free trade on the continent.
The Revolt Against Immigration and International Trade
Mark McKinnon, William Galston
Mark McKinnon and William Galston, two leading political thinkers, examine the roots of resistance to trade and immigration reform — and what can be done to counter the pushback.
Essays
Making a Good North American Neighborhood Even Better
Matthew Rooney
A commitment to North America will pay dividends not only in terms of economic prosperity for the U.S., but will also have an important impact on national security.
Too Many Immigrants? No, We Need More
Pia Orrenius
This is a good time to welcome immigrants. Shutting the door to them may shut the door to growth and lead to greater deficits.
Meet Mexico's New Innovators
Alfredo Corchado
Young, high-tech innovators in Mexico are writing a new narrative about the Mexican economy. But will they be able to realize their potential?
Canada, Mexico, and the United States Need Each Other
Michael C. Camuñez, Laura Dawson, Ph.D., Roberto Salinas-León, Ph.D.
Economic isolationism is not the path to “winning.” In today’s global economy, close relationships across North America bolster our domestic economies. Experts from the Bush Institute’s Working Group on North America explain how Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. can together strengthen the talents of their peoples, develop energy resources that benefit each other, and build the roads, bridges, and ports that allow people and goods to move easily across borders.
Living the North American Life
Antonio Garza
More than goods get traded across borders. Culture, customs, and ideas move between countries, forging a North American community.
North America’s Progress Starts in the Classroom
Can North America realize its potential? Yes, but maximizing the economic power of North America will require meeting the education challenges facing the continent and each nation.
Toronto’s Gift to North America
Raja Moussaoui
Toronto’s growth shows North America how cities across the continent can thrive. Hint: Vibrant cities start with neighborhoods and people.