How would economic restructuring in Mexico affect the American economy?
Woodruff: Mexico is our second largest trading partner. It is an important market for U.S. businesses. U.S. businesses have invested heavily in Mexico since NAFTA came into effect in 1994 (and Mexican businesses have invested heavily in the U.S. as well). We know that wage rates in Mexico affect migration flows to the United States. So we have important impacts on each other’s economies. We’re also neighbors. And quite apart from any economic interactions between the two countries, life will be better for people on both sides of the border if we understand each other better. Q: How will the Center for U.S. – Mexican Studies be involved in the newly established University of California headquarters in Mexico City, Casa de California? Woodruff: The Casa represents a tremendous opportunity for the Center. The Casa is a beautiful facility and provides us a base of operations in Mexico which will allow UCSD to increase its presence there. We expect to organize many conferences, seminars and
