“The Invention of North America” is he podcast with Carlos Salinas de Gortari which compiles a series of interviews with former officials and politicians to address the negotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its relationship with drug trafficking, migration and economic trends.
Though, the participation of Carlos Salinas de Gortari in the podcast “The Invention of North America” (production of Genuina Podcasts and Revista Nexos) has received negative criticism even from the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum.
He “The Invention of North America” podcast is found available on platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcast and it is counted in 6 chapters:
- Episode 1: Change to Stay
- Episode 2: In Mexico we say: “Social Liberalism”
- Episode 3: Not secrets, but discreet
- Episode 4: Very good quality adversaries
- Episode 5: Some pending
- Episode 6: The Nonexistent Region
What is each chapter about? Below we tell you what the “The Invention of North America” podcast in their 6 episodes available.
The Invention of North America podcast. Episode 1: Change to Stay
“The Invention of North America” starts with a first episode of almost 34 minutes titled “Change to stay”, which goes back to 1982, in the six-year term of José López Portillo.
Throughout the podcast the economic crisis of Mexico in the 80s, and also an outdated system (inherited from the Mexican Revolution), which led the next officials to believe that it was necessary to “change to stay” and thus avoid further damage to the country.
The Invention of North America Podcast. Episode 2: In mexico we say: “Social Liberalism”
In it episode 2 “In Mexico we call it: ‘Social liberalism’”the podcast addresses the six-year term of Carlos Salinas de Gortari and its new generation of officials called “technocrats.”
The 38 minutes of duration are dedicated to talking about his government governed by the ideology of the neoliberalism and how he tried to solve MexicoS problems through free trade agreement.
Mexico,united States and Canada Treaty,T-MEC (EFE)
The Invention of North America Podcast. Episode 4: Very good quality adversaries
He episode 4 “Very good quality adversaries” of the “the Invention of north America” podcast It takes us to 1992,when the United States elections gave victory to Bill Clinton.
in its 42 minutes,the episode portrays the context of the coalition that emerged between opposing groups such as: candidates for the presidency of the united States,environmentalists,human rights activists,Mexican intellectuals and more power groups. This alliance was for the sole purpose of stop the entry into force of NAFTA.
The Invention of North America Podcast. Episode 5: Some pending
In its fifth chapter “Some pending” The podcast focuses on the effect of the entry into force of NAFTA in 1994.
He episode 5 It lasts 53 minutes and covers from the uprising of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) in Chiapas, to the assassinations, media kidnappings and more controversies that buried Salinism.
The Invention of North America Podcast. Episode 6: The Nonexistent Region
in it episode 6 “the Nonexistent Region” of the “The Invention of North America” podcastdetails why 20 years after the entry into force of NAFTA,the trade agreement is being debated by the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States.
In just over 40 minutes, the podcast points out that protectionism in the United States led by Donald Trump endangers the continuity of the now T-MECtherefore a renegotiation why North American history is not over.
Donald Trump, president-elect of the United States (Especial)
The Invention of North America Podcast. Characters who appear or are mentioned
Throughout the 6 episodes of podcast The Invention of North americaPolitical figures involved in the negotiation of Mexico’s free trade agreement with the United states and the country’s entry into the neoliberal world appear or are mentioned, such as:
- Pedro Aspe Armella: Secretary of Finance and Public Credit (1988-1994)
- Herminio Blanco Mendoza: chief negotiator of the North American Free Trade Agreement (1990-1993)3
- Morelos Canseco Gómez: PRI legislator and senior official of the Senate of the Republic (1988-1994)
- Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas Solórzano: senator of the Republic (1988-1994) and founder of the Party of the Democratic Revolution
- José Carreño Carlón: general director of Social Dialogue of the Presidency and spokesperson for the Federal Government (1992-1994)
- Jorge Castañeda Gutman: Secretary of Foreign Affairs (2000-2003)
- Claudio X. González Laporte: businessman, president of the Mexican Business Council and economic advisor to President Salinas
- Gustavo Gordillo de Anda: Undersecretary of Agrarian institution and Progress in the secretariat of Agrarian Reform (1988-1994)
- Otto Granados Roldán: general director of Social Communication of the Presidency and spokesperson for the Federal Government (1988-1992)
- Carlos Salinas de Gortari: President of the Republic (1988-1994)11
- Jaime Serra puche: Secretary of Commerce and Industrial Development (1988-1994)
- Luis Téllez Kuenzler: Undersecretary of Planning at the ministry of Agriculture and Hydraulic Resources (1990-1994)
How has NAFTA influenced contemporary discussions about trade and immigration policies in North America?
Interviewer: Welcome to time.news! Today, we’re diving deep into a compelling topic—the podcast “The invention of North America,” featuring Carlos salinas de Gortari. Here to discuss its content and implications is expert Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a political economist with a focus on North American trade policies. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rodriguez!
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to talk about this interesting podcast.
Interviewer: Let’s start with the premise of the podcast. It discusses the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, and intertwines it with themes of drug trafficking, migration, and economic trends. Why do you think it’s essential to explore these connections?
Dr. Rodriguez: That’s a great question! The effects of NAFTA extend far beyond trade policies. When you examine the past context,such as drug trafficking and migration patterns,it becomes clear that economic decisions have profound social and political repercussions. Understanding these connections adds depth to our comprehension of contemporary issues in North america.
Interviewer: Absolutely.The podcast includes six episodes, each touching on different facets of this relationship. Episode 1 is titled “Change to Stay.” It reflects on the economic crisis in mexico during the 1980s.can you provide some insights into how that crisis shaped economic policies?
Dr.Rodriguez: Certainly! The crisis prompted leaders like José López Portillo to reconsider outdated economic systems. The phrase “change to stay” signifies a transformative moment for Mexico, suggesting that without meaningful reforms, the country could face dire consequences. This laid the groundwork for the neoliberal policies introduced under Salinas de Gortari, leading to the implementation of NAFTA.
Interviewer: Episode 2 dives into the concept of “social liberalism” during Salinas de Gortari’s administration. You mentioned reforms; what specific changes were made during his term that aimed at addressing Mexico’s economic challenges?
Dr. Rodriguez: Salinas de Gortari’s administration substantially embraced neoliberalism,focusing on free trade and privatization to solve economic problems. His government’s approach was to align Mexico closer with the global economy. The push for NAFTA was a strategic move intended to boost trade relations with the United States and Canada, aiming to modernize Mexico’s economy.
Interviewer: Episode 4, titled “Very Good Quality Adversaries,” reflects on the coalitions against NAFTA. Can you discuss the resistance faced during this time?
Dr. Rodriguez: Yes, this episode highlights an captivating dynamic in political activism. Various groups, including environmentalists and human rights activists, formed coalitions to oppose NAFTA, worried about its potential negative impacts on labor rights and environmental standards. This coalition illustrates how NAFTA was not just a trade agreement but also a focal point for broader socio-political grievances that resonated with the public.
Interviewer: Moving to Episode 5, titled “Some Pending,” we witness the ramifications of NAFTA’s enforcement in 1994.What were some of those immediate effects?
Dr. Rodriguez: This episode captures the complexities of NAFTA’s impact on Mexico.While it aimed to spur economic growth,it also coincided with significant unrest,such as the rise of the Zapatista Army in Chiapas. This movement illustrated widespread discontent with the socio-economic disparities that emerged, shedding light on NAFTA’s inability to address underlying issues, including poverty and inequality.
Interviewer: The final episode, “The Nonexistent Region,” engages with the ongoing debates surrounding NAFTA two decades later. How has the perception of NAFTA evolved over time?
Dr. Rodriguez: NAFTA’s legacy is indeed contentious. Initially heralded as a success for economic growth, subsequent critiques focus on its failure to produce equitable benefits. The new debates reflect concerns about labor rights, immigration, and the environment, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of how regional trade agreements should serve diverse stakeholders.
Interviewer: With the recent criticisms of Salinas de Gortari, including from current Mexican President Claudia sheinbaum, how do you see the political ramifications of this podcast?
Dr. Rodriguez: It’s significant. The podcast resurrects a historical figure and moment that continue to evoke strong opinions. By bringing these narratives to the forefront, it allows for critical reflection and dialog regarding past policies and their implications. This can influence current discussions on trade agreements and economic policies, urging leaders to learn from history.
Interviewer: Thanks for those insights, Dr. Rodriguez! It’s clear that “The Invention of North America” is not just about the past; it’s a lens through which we can examine present and future relations in North America.
Dr. Rodriguez: Exactly! And I encourage everyone to listen to the podcast—it’s a valuable resource for understanding our shared history and the ongoing evolution of trade relations.
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, and for your expert analysis!