8. When Will the Fiesta Start? Mexico–Canada Relations in a New North America

One of Stephen Clarkson’s major contributions was his examination of the asymmetrical relationships within the North American region. This chapter examines his thinking about the nature of the Canada–Mexico relationship within the broader North American region. It draws on his concept of the “solidarity of the weak” to analyse the promise and obstacles to greater cooperation between the two weaker NAFTA (and USMCA) partners. The chapter reviews the historical relationship between the two countries, and the way in which cooperation and mutual trust grew over time within the context of the NAFTA agreement. It then looks at how that relationship was tested by the attempts of the Trump administration to divide and conquer its two neighbours. It concludes by arguing that the election of Joe Biden may pave the way for a more harmonious relationship between Canada and Mexico.