This study examines the effect of the increased border security in the post 9/11 era on bilateral relations between the United States and Mexico. The problem is approached inductively from a policy-related perspective, using some elements of theory for descriptive purposes. Using qualified expert opinion and description of the policies implemented after 9/11/01, this study attempts to draw substantive conclusions about the current state of this bilateral relationship and future policy outlook.
             This study hypothesizes that the border policy implemented after September 11, 2001 has negatively affected bilateral relations between the United States and Mexico. The independent variable in this study is the increased security at the border. The dependent variable is the bilateral relationship between the two neighboring states. In order to operationalize the qualitative description of these policies, this study will compare them based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria:
             promotes bilateral economic development and the further integration of NAFTA facilitates bilateral political cooperation; secures both sides of the border against illicit flows of goods and people across border; respects national sovereignty and territorial rights; addresses issues important to both countries; implements procedures expediently and equitably, using other agreements as precedent for comparison.
             This study has found that greater security at the U.S.-Mexico border has had a positive effect on their bilateral relationship. This disproves the original hypothesis. The reasons this study cites for this are the necessity for increased bilateralism in negotiations to secure the border and the "spillover" effect of policy into avenues for parallel growth and integration, including infrastructure and economy.
             This study examines the effect of the increased border security in the post 9/11 era on bilateral relations between the U...