In the latest installment of his series, the author reflects on how shifts in the United States have fundamentally altered its commercial and strategic policies. He argues that Washington no longer views trade merely as an exercise in economic efficiency; instead, it has become a tool for control, security, and reducing vulnerabilities. This change suggests possible scenarios for relations with Mexico and Canada, with a particular focus on Mexico's potential for a more unilateral relationship with the U.S. that relies on administrative decisions rather than formal treaties.

The article explores the historical approach to resolving conflicts between nations, which traditionally relied on diplomacy or warfare, with state actors engaging directly. The shift in international relations underscores a need to recognize that power dynamics are no longer exclusive to governments. With the evolving landscape, businesses and private entities now play significant roles in shaping diplomatic relations, complicating the established norms that have governed international interactions.

This modernized perspective is crucial for Mexico as it navigates its place in North American trade relations. The implications of a unilateral relationship with the U.S. indicate a need for Mexico to adapt to a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, where the influence of corporate interests may supersede traditional governmental diplomacy. Understanding this new paradigm is essential for policymakers in crafting effective responses to the challenges posed by U.S. trade strategy shifts.