Jorge I. Domínguez is the Antonio Madero Professor of Mexican and Latin American Politics and Economics and Vice Provost for International Affairs at Harvard University. He is a past president of the Latin American Studies Association.Rafael Fernández de Castro has been Chair, Founder, and Full-time Professor, Department of International Studies, Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), Mexico City, since 1991. He is currently on leave to work as President Felipe Calderón’s Foreign Policy Advisor.

"In this revised edition, two seasoned and astute analysts concisely illuminate the history, dynamics, and prospects of perhaps the most important international relationship for the United States, that with neighboring Mexico. Their new preface and epilogue explore the impacts of the U.S. response to the 9/11 attacks, the international reaction to the unilateral displays of U.S. power that followed, and the rise of China’s economy and influence. They examine the complex interplay of domestic and international political and economic forces on both sides of the border that makes this unique relationship so difficult, but vital, to manage."—Abraham F. Lowenthal, University of Southern California, and founding director, Inter-American Dialogue"This compact but comprehensive book explains both the profound transformation in U.S.–Mexican relations in the past two decades and the enduring asymmetry that makes a genuine partnership so difficult. With great skill and an encyclopedia of knowledge, Domínguez and Fernández de Castro distill the essential features of the relationship into a book that all North Americans should read."—Robert A. Pastor, Co-Director, Center for North American Studies, American University"This book is by far the best available study of Mexico–U.S. relations. Although Domínguez and Fernández de Castro are sensitive to the specific historical characteristics of the bilateral relationship, they consistently place their subject in a broader international context. They address topics ranging from the impact of NAFTA to the complex policy issues that challenge government officials in both Mexico and the United States. The analysis is sharp and the writing is clear, making the book ideally suited for classroom use."—Kevin J. Middlebrook, Institute for the Study of the Americas, University of London

• Introduction; 1. History; 2. The Changes in the International System: Effects on the Bilateral Relationship; 3. International Security; 4. The Effect of International Institutions; 5. The Domestic Context for Foreign Policy Decision-Making; 6. Content and Conduct of Foreign Policy; 7. Transborder Relations; 8. Epilogue: U.S.-Mexican Relations in the Twenty-First Century