WBEZ is participating in a joint project with NPR and public radio stations across the country. It’s called “A Nation Engaged.”  This week we explore the topic, “What is America’s place in the world?”  As part of the series, Worldview looks at the U.S. influence on Mexico.

Republican Candidate for President Donald Trump visited Mexico on Wednesday to meet with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, at his invitation. 

In a joint news conference, the two avoided speaking about some of Trump’s more controversial comments on immigration; for example, building a border wall and forcing Mexico to pay for it. Instead, they talked about shared challenges and the need for cooperation. 

Later that evening, Trump addressed a rally in Phoenix, Arizona. There he reverted to more incendiary language towards Mexico when he spoke of migrants and related crime. 

We’ll talk about Trump’s visit and U.S.-Mexico policy with Laura Carlsen, director of the Americas Program for the Center for International Policy. She’s based in Mexico City and hosts the online television program, “Interview from Mexico”.