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National Sovereignty and Economics:
The Border as a Geopolitical Tool: The Strategic Importance of the US-Mexico Border
by Mr. Alberto Cossu, MBA International Management Consultant & Geopolitical Analyst Sassari, Italy
Link for Citation Purposes: https://bwwsociety.org/journal/archive/the-strategic-importance-of-the us-mexico-border.htm |
Introduction
The border between the United States and Mexico is more than just a geographical demarcation. It is a dynamic and complex space, a true geopolitical hub that condenses and reflects the national identities, power relationships, and economic interdependence of two nations. The management of this border has profound implications, influencing not only the domestic and foreign policies of the United States but also its very self-perception. This article examines the strategic importance of this border and evaluates the effectiveness of aggressive control policies in curbing undocumented immigration, framing this approach as a pragmatic response to an emergency situation.
Historical Context and the Construction of the Border
The formal creation of the border dates back to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which sanctioned the cession of vast Mexican territories to the United States. Initially, this border was lightly regulated. Over time, however, it transformed into a militarized frontier, a process accelerated in the 20th century with the creation of the U.S. Border Patrol in 1924, the agency tasked with its surveillance. This development marked the transition from a mere line of separation to an active and guarded barrier, reflecting growing U.S. concerns about security and migratory flows, a topic.
The Border as a Geopolitical Space and Economic Interdependence
The border is a "contested space" where tensions between different worldviews manifest, a concept explored by Robert D. Kaplan and Samuel Huntington. On one hand, it is a symbol of sovereignty and national security; on the other, it is an area of deep interconnection. Economic integration, promoted by agreements like NAFTA and the subsequent USMCA, has created significant economic interdependence between the two countries. However, this collaboration has also generated disparities, as trade policies have favored industrial development in the United States, often at the expense of Mexican agriculture, indirectly fueling the reasons that drive migration. Geopolitically, the United States uses its influence over the border to project its power in Latin America and to address transnational threats such as drug trafficking [1].
The Trump Administration's Immigration Policies: Principles and Objectives
The Trump administration adopted an immigration policy based on "zero tolerance," aiming to drastically reduce illegal immigration through aggressive deterrence. The rhetoric of the "wall," although its construction was only partially completed, had a strong symbolic impact, representing a physical and psychological barrier against migratory flows. The administration implemented restrictive policies, including family separation and the denial of asylum rights, with the intent of discouraging illegal crossings.
Effects and Criticisms of Aggressive Policies
Data released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for 2025 indicate a significant decrease in border crossings. Following the inauguration of the new administration in late January, the numbers have plummeted to record lows. In May 2025, the Border Patrol reported 8,725 "encounters" at the southwest border, a 93% decrease compared to May 2024. In July 2025, the number of nationwide "encounters" dropped to 24,630, the lowest figure ever, with a decline of almost 90% compared to the previous administration's monthly average.
These data demonstrate that in a crisis context, an assertive and rigorous border control approach can yield immediate results. While such a policy can have a high humanitarian and social cost, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and creating tensions with neighboring countries, its main objective is to restore security and control in an emergency situation.
The Border's Role in Domestic Politics and National Identity
The border is a defining issue in American domestic politics, fueling a heated and often polarized debate. For some, border control represents the defense of national security and sovereignty; for others, it is a symbol of xenophobia and a betrayal of the principles of welcome and opportunity. This dichotomy is reflected in the U.S. national identity, where the border is both a symbol of separation and an area of potential cultural integration.
The Border and Transnational Threats
The U.S.-Mexico border is a transit point for transnational threats like drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, and organized crime. Border policies are not only aimed at stopping immigration but also at disrupting the operations of criminal cartels. Collaboration with the Mexican government, although complex, is crucial to addressing these challenges. The United States, with its border policies, seeks to exert pressure on Mexico to cooperate in countering these illicit activities.
Conclusion
The border between the United States and Mexico is a geopolitical tool of crucial strategic importance, as noted by Henry Kissinger. Aggressive control policies, such as those implemented by some administrations, can have a tangible impact on migratory flows, contributing to their decrease. In a context of emergency and crime, an assertive approach can be considered the most effective for achieving immediate results.
However, it is important to note that such a strategy does not address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and political instability, as discussed. In the future, once security has been restored and a recovering U.S. economy requires new human resources, a transition towards a multidimensional approach could be considered. This approach would combine border control with international cooperation and development aid in the countries of origin, representing a more comprehensive and sustainable long-term solution.
Appendix
Table: Annual U.S.-Mexico Border Crossings
|
Year |
Number of "encounters" (CBP data) |
|
2000 |
1,643,629 |
|
2005 |
1,201,217 |
|
2010 |
463,092 |
|
2015 |
337,137 |
|
2020 |
458,088 |
|
2023 |
2,475,669 |
|
2024 |
2,135,000 |
|
Jan-Jul 2025 |
approx. 185,000 |
Bibliography and References
1. Cossu, A. (2025). Geopolitical implications of the US_ Mexico Boder" in Geopolitics 1/2025, vol. XIV, pp. 387-407.
2. Friedman, G. (2009). The Next 100 Years. A Forecast for the 21st Century. Allison Busby, London.
3. Friedman, G. (2020). The Storm Before the Calm. Doubleday, New York.
4. Graziano, M. (2018). The Island at the Center of the World. Il Mulino, Bologna.
5. Graziano, M. (2019). Geopolitics. Il Mulino, Bologna.
6. Huntington, S. (2004). Who Are We? The Challenges to America’s National Identity. Simon & Schuster, New York.
7. Kaplan, R. D. (2013). The Revenge of Geography. Random House, New York.
8. Kissinger, H. (2015). World Order. Mondadori, Milan.
9. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Official 2025 data.
10. Welforum.it. "Trump Kicks off a New Season of Cruelty Towards Immigrants and Minorities."
11. Wikipedia. "Migrant Detentions of the Trump Administration."
12. On Trump's crimes and policies: https://www.welforum.it/trump-inaugura-la-nuova-stagione-della-crudelta-verso-immigrati-e-minoranze/
13. On migrant detentions: https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detenzioni_di_migranti_dell%27amministrazione_Trump
14. On recent border developments: https://www.internazionale.it/notizie/alessio-marchionna/2025/01/27/trump-sistema-migratorio-statunitense
15. On Mexico's challenges: https://www.notiziegeopolitiche.net/messico-tutte-le-sfide-del-2025/