5th Annual U.S. - Mexico Defense & Security Roundtable

Register for the In-Person Event 

The 5^th Annual U.S. – Mexico Defense and Security Roundtable is cosponsored by the University of Arizona and the Tucson Committee on Foreign Relations. The U.S. - Mexico security relationship is critical to Americans and especially southern Arizonans. This year, once again, finds bilateral relations in a paradoxical and somewhat precarious state. The U.S., Mexico, Canada Agreement (UCMCA) was not extended and faces continuing negotiations. Yet, Mexico remains the number one U.S. trading partner with over $871 billion in trade in 2025. The Sheinbaum administration claims to have reduced homicides by 53% compared to 2024, but the country still suffered an astounding 27,989 homicides last year. Drug overdose deaths in the United States have dropped below 100,000, but remain elevated at 69,973 last year. Defense and security officials claim unparalleled levels of bilateral cooperation. However, the Trump administration designated eight Mexican criminal organizations as terrorist groups, continues to pressure Mexico to allow the presence of U.S. troops, and threatens unilateral military action.

This year, we have a phenomenal group of experts to help us understand this complex security environment.

• Opening remarks will be provided by the Consul of Mexico in Tucson, Fernando Adrián Sánchez Roldán.

• María Covarrubias Fosado, the General Coordinator of the U.S.-Mexico Center for Strategic Studies, will provide an update on US-MX CSS and the results of the last expert summit held in May.
• Our keynote address will be provided by Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown, Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy and the Director of the Nonstate Armed Actors Initiative at the Brookings Institution.
• The roundtable will be moderated by TCFR board member and UofA Assistant Professor of Practice Dr. Michael Burgoyne. This year’s panelists include:

• Dr. Juan Carlos Barrón Pastor: Director of the Research Center for North America (CISAN) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
• Dr. Angie Torres-Beltrán: Assistant Professor in the School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona.
• Dr. Luis Coronado Guel: Director of SBS Mexico Initiatives and President Tucson-Mexico Sister Cities. 

There will be a cocktail and social reception following the roundtable in the ILC courtyard. Light appetizers and drinks will be served. This will be a great opportunity to engage with the panelists, U of A scholars, and other knowledgeable TCFR members.