The Bear and the Porcupine: The U.S. and Mexico

by Jeffrey Davidow

Presenting the story of US-Mexico relations, this work explains the implications of the Fox administration and the outcome of the 2006 election, reflecting on the volatile immigration issue that has exploded into public debate in the United States.

Paperback

First published February 3, 2004

Reviews

[Paola Herrera]

Una de las mejores frases que contiene este libro es la siguiente "La verdad era mucho menos complicada de lo que los mexicanos querían creer" Es un buen y diferente acercamiento a las relaciones México-Estados Unidos. Una de las sorpresas que me lleve fue la crítica a Fuentes con respecto a que éste no es una analista político. No me lo esperaba. Pero recibí la sorpresa con agrado. Creo que lo más importante de esta recopilación de experiencias del Embajador Davidow cumple su objetivo primordial: mostrar que una relación tan importante(Mex-US) no puede seguir plagada de desinterés, ignorancia y de teorías de conspiración, por ambas partes.

One of the best quotes of this book is "The truth was much less complicated than what Mexicans wanted to believe". It is a good and different approach to the US-México relations. One of the surprises of the book to me was the critic to Fuentes, about him being a political analyst. I did not expect that. But I received the surprise with a smile. I believe that the most important thing about this recoplitation of the Embassador's expiriences is that it achieves its purpopse: to show that such an important relation (US-Mex) can not longer be full of disinterest, ignorance and conspiracy theories, to both parts.

[Nicole]

This is a book written by the US Ambassador, Jeffrey Davidow, to Mexico between 1998-2002. Parts of the book were very interesting - his stories regarding the government corruption, his take on the stereotypes of Mexicans and Americans, his thoughts on immigration and drug problems, but at many times I found myself day-dreaming. I think partially because during this time period I wasn't that interested in politics I'm not familiar with what person did what. Still, interesting given our relationship with Mexico is becoming more and more important.

[Mark]

This is a good read which increased my understanding of the politics and media of Mexico. It was written in an earlier time, 2004, but the core issues Ambassador Davidow outlines are still very much with us.

[Chris]

This book won me over. After seeing the cover picture and the reading first chapters, I feared the author would try to cast himself as the protagonist of many of the important events during his tenure. And there is some self-aggrandizement at work. But the author manages to sprinkle plenty of behind-the-scenes gossip and some novel insights into the narrative, enough to keep the pages turning.

[Nicole]

Really good read so far, by a former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico who provides a insightful look at Mexican perceptions on our bilateral relationship. Sounds kind of dry, but he peps it up with lots of personal stories.

[Lalo Louvier]

Bueno desde su puento de vista, ya lo lei tarde.

[John Crippen]

Fun read and great current history update from our Ambassador to Mexico from 1998-2002. See review at http://relaxandhavefun.com/?p=359