Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Two Nations Indivisible summary
Shannon K. O’Neil
Mexico, the United States and the Road Ahead
20 mins
Brief summary
Two Nations Indivisible by Shannon K. O'Neil provides an insightful exploration of Mexico's current challenges and how they impact the US. It presents a comprehensive analysis of Mexican politics, economy, and society, offering an optimistic outlook for a prosperous and cooperative partnership between the two nations.
Table of Contents
Two Nations Indivisible
Summary of 8 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 8
US news coverage of Mexico focuses on drug-related crime while ignoring positive developments in the nation.
In 1997, Amado Carillo, an infamous drug lord and head of a major drug cartel in Juárez, Mexico, died in hospital while undergoing cosmetic surgery to disguise his identity. You can easily imagine what a juicy news headline this made and, of course, the US media ate it up.
In fact, US news coverage of Mexico is primarily focused on drugs and crime. The city of Juárez is central to this narrative and the news of Carrillo's death is just one example of the American media’s obsession with the city.
The focus on Juárez might be a result of the city’s location right along the border with the United States, just south of Texas and New Mexico. But it’s also a product of the city’s ludicrously high rates of drug-related crime.
For instance, in 2009, there were over 2,500 violent, drug-related deaths in the city, the highest drug crime murder rate in all of Mexico. Just one year later, the number had risen to 3,000 deaths, making Juárez the most violent city on earth. Between 2007 and 2011, over 9,000 people were murdered by drug lords and dealers in the city.
The American media is especially skilled at depicting all the tragedy and violence of the Mexican drug wars, but it misses the fact that the country has come a long way toward prosperity. While drug violence is still an issue, it shouldn’t overshadow the rapid progress Mexico is making in other areas.
For example, Juárez is growing quickly, with new buildings and factories from well-known multinational companies, like Siemens and Bosch, emerging all the time. The city’s economic development has even been mentioned by Foreign Direct Investment magazine, a journal of the Financial Times Group. According to the journal, Juárez is a city with future prospects and a per capita income that’s above average for the country.
Want to see all full key ideas from Two Nations Indivisible?
Key ideas in Two Nations Indivisible
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Two Nations Indivisible about?
Two Nations Indivisible (2013) tells the story of the United States’ relationship with its neighbor to the south: Mexico. These blinks explain the profound connections between the two countries as well as the misunderstandings that keep them apart, with an emphasis on political and economic relations.
Two Nations Indivisible Review
Two Nations Indivisible (2014) offers a fascinating exploration of the complex and interconnected relationship between the United States and Mexico. Here's why this book is a worthwhile read:
- With meticulously researched insights and historical context, it sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing both nations.
- Through compelling stories of individuals and communities, the book brings the issues to life, making it both relatable and thought-provoking.
- By analyzing key policy areas such as immigration, trade, and security, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the shared interests and shared destiny of these two nations.
Best quote from Two Nations Indivisible
In 2011, towards the end of Calderòns administration, five drug-related murders took place every day in Juárez.
—Shannon K. O’Neil
Who should read Two Nations Indivisible?
- Policy makers who want to understand more about the US-Mexico relationship
- Educators and students interested in world politics
- Americans and Mexicans hoping to understand each other better
Categories with Two Nations Indivisible
Book summaries like Two Nations Indivisible
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Two Nations Indivisible FAQs
What is the main message of Two Nations Indivisible?
The main message of Two Nations Indivisible is the intertwined and complex relationship between the United States and Mexico.
How long does it take to read Two Nations Indivisible?
The reading time for Two Nations Indivisible varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Two Nations Indivisible a good book? Is it worth reading?
Two Nations Indivisible is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics between the United States and Mexico. It provides valuable insights and analysis.
Who is the author of Two Nations Indivisible?
The author of Two Nations Indivisible is Shannon K. O’Neil.
What to read after Two Nations Indivisible?
If you're wondering what to read next after Two Nations Indivisible, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Brazillionaires by Alex Cuadros
- The End of the Myth by Greg Grandin
- On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Southern Theory by Raewyn Connell
- Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
- A Treatise of Human Nature by David Hume
- What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew by Sharon Saline
- Life After Google by George Gilder