The state of the border report

"Though more often characterized as a source of security threats and vulnerabilities, the U.S.-Mexico border is also a modern frontier with immense opportunities. The joining together and in many ways overlapping of two great countries and societies has created a region fertile with business opportunities, rich in culture, and full of delicate natural treasures. Many of the unique opportunities presented by the border remain untapped, hidden away from the nations' financial centers and capitals. But as those that live and work in the region know, the state of the border is stronger than most realize. For some time, this poorly understood area has needed a comprehensive and accessible yet careful and evidence-driven analysis for policymakers and citizens alike. There is a traditional notion in foreign relations that 'politics stops at the water's edge,' that domestic politics are distinct from foreign policy. While this concept can be contradicted with cases from around the world, the complex and intense mix of local, state, national and international constituencies that have vested interests in the U.S.-Mexico border may comprise the best counterexample of all. Managing the U.S.-Mexico border is extraordinarily difficult and made more so by its intense mix of international and domestic policy issues.". "The Report seeks to provide a comprehensive yet accessible look at the state of affairs in border management and the border region, focusing on four core areas: trade and economic development, security, sustainability, and quality of life."-- Page iii.