America Quote by Robert D. Kaplan
“While the foreign policy elite in Washington focuses on the 8,000 deaths in a conflict in Syria – half a world away from the United States – more than 47,000 people have died in drug-related violence since 2006 in Mexico. A deeply troubled state as well as a demographic and economic giant on the United States’ southern border, Mexico will affect America’s destiny in coming decades more than any state or combination of states in the Middle East.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Atlantic, “Mexico’s Growing Influence”, 2015
Mexico’s internal violence and strategic position will shape U.S. future more than distant Middle Eastern conflicts.
In simple terms: Mexico’s issues will impact U.S. destiny more than far‑away wars.
Key Takeaway
Pay attention to Mexico’s role in U.S. policy.
Themes
geopolitics
security
demographics
economics
border
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- policy planning
- border security
- investment decisions
- humanitarian aid
Key Concepts
strategic importance
state fragility
transnational crime
Questions to Reflect On
- How does Mexico’s violence affect U.S. security?
- What policies could mitigate cross‑border crime?
A Different Perspective
Mexico’s impact may be overstated without considering other global factors.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
