The Hard Country

Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo read from T.R. Fehrenbach's "Fire and Blood" on the violent origins of the Mexica (Aztecs), then discuss Mexico's ideological support for Cuba under Morena, U.S. pressures to end it, cartel ties, historical repressions like Tlatelolco and the Dirty War, and education revisionism.Referenced in the episode:- Fire and Blood: A History of Mexico by T.R. Fehrenbach- Roma (film)- Guacamaya Leaks- The Conquest of New Spain by Bernal Díaz del Castillo

Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo welcome back Melissa Ford Maldonado, now Director of the Western Hemisphere Initiative at the America First Policy Institute and co-host of the Western Front podcast. They explore the dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the Western Hemisphere, the resurgence of the Monroe Doctrine in recent national security strategies, and how regional crises—from Venezuela's turmoil to evolving U.S.-Colombia relations under Presidents Trump and Petro—are reshaping America's backyard.Topics include the strategic importance of Colombia as a non-NATO ally, recent diplomatic tensions and breakthroughs, upcoming elections in the region, and broader implications for Mexico and U.S. border security. Plus, an opening reflection on Greenland's geopolitical opportunities.Referenced in this episode:Greenland shows the limits and opportunities of Danish statecraft

Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo begin by looking at a new poll showing declining approval for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (though it's still above 70%).Then they discuss a rumor that the Trump administration sent Mexico a list requesting cartel-connected political figures to be delivered to the United States.Referenced in this episode:Mexico’s Mighty Left-Wing Government is FlounderingDozens Of Mexican Cartel Fugitives Flown To The U.S. To Face Justice

Hosts dissect the dramatic January 3rd raid in Caracas and its implications for the region. They analyze the significance of Maduro's capture and how this event differs from past U.S. interventions. The discussion delves into the disturbing rise of narco-states, contrasting Venezuela's fate with Mexico's unsettling trajectory under the Morena regime. International reactions, including Mexico’s condemnation, raise questions about future alliances. The duo also explores the potential for U.S. actions against cartels while linking trade agreements to security measures.

Hosts Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo react to recent revelations about Russian spies residing in Mexico, President Trump threatening Mexico with higher tariffs over a water treaty, and opportunities to extract concessions in the upcoming USMCA trade agreement review.They also discuss Mexico's refusal to give up cartel-connected political figures, President Claudia Sheinbaum's response to nine Mexican mayors being murdered in the past year, and Joshua's latest op-ed on Venezuela.Referenced in this episode:New York Times: The U.S. Gave Mexico a List of Russian Spies. Mexico Let Them Stay.Reuters: Trump threatens Mexico with 5% tariff increase over water disputeWall Street Journal: How to Save Trump’s USMCAWall Street Journal: ‘Welcome to America!’ Captured Drug Lords Choose: Snitch or SufferWall Street Journal: Mexico’s President Has a Murder ProblemSheinbaum Announces the Michoacán Plan for Peace and JusticeNational Review: What Brought the Trump Administration to the Brink with the Venezuelan Regime

Mexico preaches the Estrada Doctrine of “non-intervention”—but the MORENA regime under AMLO and Claudia Sheinbaum has propped up dictators in Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and beyond while trafficking millions across the U.S. border. Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo trace the hypocrisy from the 1860s French invasion and Maximilian’s fall to today’s oil shipments to Havana and Cuban “doctors” (read: spies) in Mexico City.00:00 – Intro: Lincoln, Maximilian, and the birth of U.S. non-recognition02:15 – The Estrada Doctrine: 1930 promise Mexico never kept05:40 – Spanish Civil War: Mexico arms the Reds alongside Stalin08:10 – 1915 Plan de San Diego: Mexican-backed race war in Texas12:30 – 2019: Mexican Air Force rescues Evo Morales15:45 – CELAC vs. OAS: MORENA’s anti-U.S. parallel summit19:20 – Sheinbaum at CELAC 2025: “No coercion”… while sending oil to Maduro22:50 – Cuban agents in Mexico & record oil exports to Havana26:30 – María Corina Machado’s Nobel Peace Prize—and Sheinbaum’s silence

Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo break down a provocative New Yorker article about the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles and its role during immigration raids in MacArthur Park. They dive into the complex dynamics of Mexican identity, U.S.-Mexico relations, and the historical roots of Los Angeles—challenging the narrative that it remains a "Mexican city."They also explore Mexico’s 700th anniversary celebration of Tenochtitlan, the controversial projection of Aztec imagery onto Mexico City’s Catholic cathedral, and the bold move by a local mayor to remove statues of Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.Sources referenced in the episode:The Fight for Mexican Los AngelesMexican Migration ProjectPresident Claudia Sheinbaum's post on X

Explore the tumultuous history between Mexico and Spain, marked by 500 years of conquest and cultural evolution. Discover why Mexico grapples with its Spanish roots, as influential figures stoke anti-Spanish sentiment. Delve into the economic ties that persist despite historical tensions and how indigenous identity shapes modern Mexico. Unravel the complexities of diplomatic gestures, like the omission of Spain’s King from key events, and witness the resurgence of Aztec cultural practices among contemporary groups. This rich tapestry of history reveals much about Mexico today.

Exploring governance under Claudia Sheinbaum reveals her surprising political strength and effective leadership amid Mexico’s complex history. The intricate relationship between the government and drug cartels highlights challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border, focusing on fentanyl trafficking. Discussions on reauthorizing the USMCA unveil historical trade failures and Mexico's strategic diplomacy. Socioeconomic disparities and the political exploitation of poverty raise crucial questions about true progress and welfare initiatives, while the ties between leftist governments and cartels present ethical challenges in governance.

In this special episode recorded at TPPF's 2025 Texas Policy Summit, Melissa Ford returns to the show to discuss the United States flying drones in Mexico and the Trump administration's latest foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designations for Mexican cartels.