The Mexico Institute is not shutting down, after all. It is being resurrected as the Mexico Program.

6 days ago 55

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The esteemed Mexico Institute is not disappearing after all. It is being resurrected by the Inter-American Dialogue and renamed the Mexico Program.

There were fears the institute would collapse after its parent institution, The Wilson Center, was all but shuttered by the Trump administration.

But the Inter-American Dialogue has stepped in and promised to keep the think tank going. This includes retaining Lila Abed, director of the Mexico Institute. She will retain the same title at the Mexico Program.

“The Dialogue is honored to build on the outstanding legacy of the Mexico Institute, a platform shaped by visionary leaders from across the public and private sectors,” said Rebecca Bill Chavez, president & CEO of the Inter-American Dialogue.

“With Lila’s leadership and the Dialogue’s hemispheric scope and convening power, we are uniquely positioned to deepen understanding and cooperation among Mexico, the United States, and the region.”

Chavez said that as the only program in Washington, DC, fully dedicated to the U.S.–Mexico relationship, the Mexico Program is a strategic and timely addition the Dialogue’s regional agenda.

“As both nations confront shared challenges in areas such as migration, economic competitiveness, energy security, and citizen security, the Program’s multifaceted approach will ensure that the Dialogue remains at the forefront of bringing together diverse stakeholders from government, the private sector, and civil society,” an Inter-American Dialogue press release stated.

Long recognized as a key institution advancing U.S.–Mexico relations and advancing bilateral understanding, communication, and cooperation, the Mexico Institute sought to improve understanding, communication, and cooperation between Mexico and the United States by promoting original research, encouraging public discussion, and proposing policy options for enhancing the bilateral relationship.

A binational advisory board, chaired by Luis Téllez and Earl Anthony Wayne, oversaw the work of the Mexico Institute.

Among the South Texas leaders who have spoken at Mexico Institute events in Washington, D.C., over the years are U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, IBC Bank-Eagle Pass President Hector J. Cerna, and CIL Group President and Founder Joaquin Spamer.

Abed promised that through original research, high-level convenings, and cross-sector collaboration, the Mexico Program will engage leaders to drive actionable policies that support a more democratic, prosperous, and secure North America.

“We have the chance to build the next-generation platform for U.S.–Mexico dialogue within an institution that brings a truly hemispheric perspective and global convening power,” Abed said. “The Dialogue offers the independence and intellectual breadth needed to shape the future of the bilateral relationship —and to link it with the broader regional global agendas.”

Abed provided this commentary on social media:

“Following a directive for the Wilson Center to reduce its structure to meet minimum statutory requirements, I am pleased to share that the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute—now renamed the Mexico Program—will continue its mission within a new institutional home at the Inter-American Dialogue. This transition marks an exciting new chapter, ensuring that the program remains the leading platform for U.S.-Mexico policy dialogue, research, and collaboration.

“The Inter-American Dialogue’s distinguished reputation for regional thought leadership, strategic convening, and policy impact makes it an ideal environment for this next-generation initiative. As the only dedicated program in Washington, D.C. focused exclusively on the U.S.-Mexico bilateral relationship, the Mexico Program will carry forward the legacy of the Mexico Institute while leveraging the Dialogue’s broader hemispheric perspective and interdisciplinary expertise.

“The Mexico Program will serve as the leading platform for developing informed and actionable strategies to address the most pressing issues facing both countries, including their shared responsibilities at the regional and global levels.

“We are especially grateful to the Mexico Institute’s Advisory Board for their steadfast support throughout this transition and their commitment to ensuring continuity and momentum for the program’s future.

“We are also excited to announce that the Mexico Institute’s dedicated team will be transitioning to the Inter-American Dialogue, ensuring a seamless continuation of the program’s work and preserving the expertise and relationships that have defined its success.

“Our deepest gratitude to the CEO and President of the Dialogue, Rebecca Bill Chavez, and her whole team for this incredible opportunity.”

Chavez responded: “We are thrilled to welcome you to the Inter-American Dialogue as the founding director of our new Mexico Program, Lila! You bring deep expertise on Mexico and the U.S.–Mexico bilateral relationship, and your leadership will be instrumental in expanding our impact at a critical moment for North America. We are proud to build on you amazing work as director of the Mexico Institute!”

About the Inter-American Dialogue

 Founded in 1982, the Inter-American Dialogue is the premier center for policy analysis, exchange, and communication on issues in Western Hemisphere affairs. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with a network of experts and fellows across the Americas, the Dialogue convenes global leaders and institutions to advance democratic governance, social equity, and sustainable development across the region.

About the Mexico Program

The Mexico Program at the Dialogue aims to improve understanding, communication, and cooperation between Mexico and the United States by promoting original research, encouraging public discussion, and proposing policy options.

By convening experts, government officials, policymakers, corporate leaders, and civil society from across the hemisphere to share balanced, innovative, action-oriented analysis, and best practices, the program aims to bridge perspectives and drive actionable solutions for a more prosperous, secure, and resilient bilateral relationship.

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