Image Work in Tijuana

This chapter examines efforts to reinvent Tijuana’s reputation during and after a period of image crisis. From 2008 to 2010, cartel violence dominated international news coverage about the city, with devastating economic effects. Drawing on a set of twenty interviews conducted in Tijuana from 2009 to 2012, the chapter explores cultural contestation over how to represent the city during that time of image crisis and in its aftermath. Actors with stakes in industry promoted substantially different place images than those involved in tourism and cross-border commerce. A third, diverse set of actors worked to shape the city’s image from the bottom up, through blogs, grassroots organizations, and entrepreneurialism, which showed potential for shaping place narratives within and outside the city. Finally, the chapter takes a closer look at the transformation of the former tourism district and finds promising signs for a debordering future stemming from ongoing image work.

Mexico priest killings will feed amnesty debate

Subject The Catholic Church's role in tackling violence. Significance Amid rising violence against priests across Mexico, representatives of the Catholic Church have taken a lead in voicing concerns about state security policies. Archbishops frequently call attention to levels of impunity, and the negligence or collusion of political authorities. Vocal support for dialogue with criminal organisations is feeding debates over amnesties ahead of July's general election, and could make the church an influential player in the development of any new security strategies. Impacts As the election nears and cartel violence worsens, candidates increasingly will call on church figures to mediate. Amnesty proposals could see priests throw support behind AMLO, influencing the votes of congregations. If elected, AMLO’s still-vague amnesty plans will probably draw upon church-led dialogue and pacification efforts. Continued killings will boost church-wide support for dialogue, despite past divisions.

Javier Sicilia: Advocate of deliberative democracy in the Americas

When Javier Sicilia’s son was killed by cartel assassins in 2011, he transformed into a civic activist, with a mass following sufficiently large for Time Magazine to recognize him in 2011 as one of its “Protestors of the Year.” His very success mobilizing public opinion against cartel violence overshadows his more fundamental role as an advocate for deliberative democracy in the Americas. Sicilia’s historical importance lies in his recognition that only civic dialogue within the transnational public sphere that includes Mexico and the United States can heal the social pathologies unleashed by globalization and by the war on drugs. His ultimate achievement has been to dramatize what would be required of citizens to realize the democratic ideals that both countries profess as the foundations of their national identities.

Rethinking Protection of Those Displaced by Humanitarian Crises

In June 2015, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees announced a landmark event in the history of his organization. UNHCR estimated that there were more refugees and displaced persons than it had counted since its establishment in 1950--almost 60 million who fled conflict and persecution. While certainly large in its own right, the number actually underestimates displacement in today's world. Many millions more are displaced each year and cumulatively from a much broader range of life-threatening humanitarian crises than captured by UNHCR's figures. An average of 26.4 million were displaced annually by acute natural hazards since 2008 and an unknown but sizeable number from gang and cartel violence, electoral and communal violence, nuclear and industrial accidents, and a range of other human made disasters. This paper argues for new legal, institutional and operational frameworks to more effectively address the situation of the totality of displaced persons.

Mexican silver mining is down but not out

Subject Falling silver production in Mexico. Significance Despite positive results from companies operating in the country, official data released in January by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) shows that silver output in Mexico -- the world's largest producer -- has dropped over the past two years. Like much of the rest of the world, the country's mining industry has seen few new mines open up since metal prices began falling in early 2014. Companies that were already operating there, in turn, have placed emphasis on cost-reduction and improving capital management. Impacts Falling silver prices could result in a lack of projects advancing to production in the coming years. Investors see Mexico as one of the few solid markets left, but their enthusiasm may be overshadowed by broader fears about emerging markets. Issues such as cartel violence and indigenous rights are unlikely to deter investors but may involve extra expenses for mining companies.