The Hard Country

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.

Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo discuss Mexico’s concessions on border security in response to President Trump’s tariff threats. They also shine a spotlight on the corrupt Mexican state-cartel alliance, cover the latest border clash at Fronton Island, and break down new Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s “Americas First” foreign policy approach.Sources referenced in the episode:The Trump Administration Unabashedly Embraces the Monroe DoctrineMarco Rubio: An Americas First Foreign PolicyIt’s Time To Start Treating Mexico Like A Hostile Foreign PowerTrump’s Tariffs Would Reverse Decades of Integration Between U.S. and MexicoCartels Use Children As Pawns When Democrats Play Games With The BorderMcAllen Police Department statementYes, There Is a Mexican State-Cartel Alliance

Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo discuss President Trump's executive orders designating Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and instructing armed forces to defend U.S. borders. Next, they react to Colombia's initial refusal to accept deportation flights, and subsequent about-face following threats from President Trump. They close by outlining what all of this means for Texas and the role the state can play to support federal border security efforts.

Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo discuss the second chapter of The Hard Country: The Mexican Crisis and America's Answers. In the chapter, Joshua recalls a trip along the Rio Grande where he witnessed the evils of the Mexican cartels’ deadly human trafficking operations.The Hard Country: The Mexican Crisis and America’s Answers is available now at HardCountryBook.com

Joshua Treviño and Ariana Guajardo dive into the complexities of the Mexican crisis, emphasizing the central role of the state in shaping these issues. They explore historical U.S.-Mexico relations, unpack cultural misinterpretations, and discuss why victimhood influences Mexican narratives. The conversation covers how Mexican elites perceive Texas and the resilient identity of Texas Hispanics. Insights into the Transition Integrity Project reveal lessons on U.S. attitudes toward Mexican challenges. Their analysis highlights Mexico's enduring strengths amidst governance struggles.