Tournament: Varsity State | Round: 1 | Opponent: Alpharetta CN | Judge: Kirk Gibson
Contention One: The Right To Travel

First, most Americans are denied the right to travel to Cuba. The current “travel for some” policy doesn’t go far enough. Engagement via a “travel for all” policy is needed.
CDA 9 — Center for Democracy in the Americas—an independent, non-profit organization focused on reforming U.S. policy toward Latin America, 2009 (“Center for Democracy in the Americas Statement on Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act,” March 31st, Available Online at http://www.lawg.org/storage/documents/cuba-pc-cda_statement_on_cuba_travel.pdf, Accessed 01-29-2014)
With Senators Dorgan and Enzi unveiling their Freedom to Travel to Cuba legislation (S.428) and its list of 20 cosponsors today, Sarah Stephens, executive director of the Center for Democracy in the Americas, released the following statement:
“This legislation attacks a core contradiction of US-Cuba policy: namely, that the right way to express our views on political freedom to Cubans is by stopping Americans from traveling to their island.
“President Obama is on the right track by restoring the …
and Cuban American leaders – takes place April 2.

Second, the “travel for some” policy violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Selectively depriving individuals of their fundamental right to travel is unconstitutional.
Valdés 9 — Nelson P. Valdés, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of New Mexico, Director of the Cuba-L Project, 2009 (“Why Obama’s New Cuba Rules Violate the Constitution,” CounterPunch, March 18th, Available Online at http://www.counterpunch.org/2009/03/18/why-obama-s-new-cuba-rules-violate-the-constitution/, Accessed 01-28-2014)
Section 621 of the Omnibus Appropriations Act of 2009 authorizes Cuban ancestry persons subject to the jurisdiction of …
Every US citizen and resident alien should have the right and freedom to travel to Cuba, if they wish to do so.

Third, protecting the Constitution is a side constraint. Policymakers have an obligation to uphold the Constitution regardless of the consequences.
Carter 87 — Steven Carter, Professor of Law at Yale University, 1987 (“From Sick Chicken to Synar: The Evolution and Subsequent De-Evolution of the Separation of Powers,” Brigham Young University Law Review, Issue 3, Available Online at http://digitalcommons.law.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1531andcontext=lawreview, Accessed 01-29-2014, p. 751-752)
The problem with this use of our burgeoning public policy science, an inevitable one in an area of theory driven by instrumental rationality …
 the Constitution—can be justified through reference to the policy itself as the end.139

Fourth, the ban violates individuals’ right to travel — it’s a fundamental civil and human right.
CSG 8 — Cuba Study Group—a non-profit, non-partisan organization comprised of business and community leaders of Cuban descent who share a common interest and vision of a free and democratic Cuba, 2008 (“Lifting Restrictions on Travel and Remittances to Cuba: A Case for Unilateral Action,” December 10th, Available Online at http://www.lawg.org/storage/documents/cuba-pc-cuba-study-group-travelandremittancesforweb.pdf, Accessed 01-28-2014, p. 4-5)
Existing travel restrictions are unethical, violate basic American freedoms and infringe upon international …does not believe it is the Federal government’s business to regulate human relationships in this manner. 

Fifth, the right to travel is the bedrock of all other rights. Free speech and free association are meaningless if the government can ban international travel.
Woods 96 — Jeanne M. Woods, Associate Professor at Loyola University School of Law, holds an LLB from Temple University School of Law, 1996 (“Travel That Talks: Toward First Amendment Protection for Freedom of Movement,” The George Washington Law Review (65 Geo. Wash. L. Rev. 106), November, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
I. Travel in the Context of Postmodern Rights Discourse
The establishment of a right of free expression ... constrains the decision-making process in the direction of free expression. n12
The political philosophy of democratic …
Essay will address primarily the restrictions on this right imposed by United States economic embargo laws. n36

Finally, rights violations cannot be justified for any reason. Appeals to “the greater good” misunderstand moral responsibility — we are only responsible for our own actions.   
Harris 8 — Alexander Norman Harris, Adjunct Analyst at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, former Koch Summer Fellow at the Cato Institute, holds an A.B. in Social Studies from Harvard College, 2008 (“Libertarian Rights,” Thesis Presented to the Committee on Degrees in Social Studies at Harvard College, June, Available Online at http://www.scribd.com/doc/19013558/Libertarian-Rights, Accessed 01-26-2014, p. 23-26)
Finally, consequentialism rests on erroneous views of causality and …
and their justification must be non-teleological and not jump the positive-normative gap. In the next chapter, we will see what sorts of justifications can be offered and what principles arise from them.

Plan: The United States federal government should normalize its travel relations with Cuba.

Contention Two: Framing

First, the plan is economic engagement — contextual evidence.
Castellaw et al. 13 — John Castellaw, Retired Lieutenant General in the United States Marine Corps, et al., with Paul Eaton, Retired Major General in the United States Army, Robert G. Gard, Retired Lieutenant General in the United States Army, John Hutson, Retired Rear Admiral in the United States Navy, David Irvine, Retired Brigadier General in the United States Army, John Johns, Retired Brigadier General in the United States Army, Charles P. Otstott, Retired Lieutenant General in the United States Army, Lawrence Wilkerson, Retired Colonel in the United States Army, and Stephen N. Xenakis, Retired Brigadier General in the United States Army, 2013 (Letter to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, September 27th, Available Online at http://spi.typepad.com/files/us-military-leaders-letter-to-hfac-cuba-travel-ban-092710.pdf, Accessed 01-28-2014)
Dear Chairman Berman and Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen:
We have spent our professional lives …
unnecessary sources of discontent in a country so close to the United States. 

Second, no QPQ counterplans — conditioning Americans’ right to travel on action by Cuba is unethical and counterproductive.
Delahunt 10 — Bill Delahunt, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (D-MA), Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, 2010 (“It's time to end the ban on travel to Cuba,” Letter to the Editor of The Washington Post, July 13th, Available Online at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/12/AR2010071205154.html, Accessed 01-28-2014)
As a sponsor of legislation to end the ban on travel by Americans to Cuba, I noted a glaring omission in the July 9 editorial …
help the Cuban people more than it will help their government.

Third, disadvantages to economic engagement with Cuba are not unique.
Wapshott 12/16 — Nicholas Wapshott, International Editor of Newsweek, 2013 (“Obama, Castro, and the perversity of the Cuban embargo,” Reuters, December 16th, Available Online at http://blogs.reuters.com/nicholas-wapshott/2013/12/16/obama-castro-and-the-perversity-of-the-cuban-embargo/, Accessed 02-04-2014)
Obama has already started the process …
shaking for closed fists.

So are disadvantages to Cuba travel.
Tampa Bay Times 1/30 — Tampa Bay Times, 2014 (“Top Cuban diplomat pushes for better ties with U.S., Tampa Bay,” Byline Jamal Thalji, Available Online at http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/top-cuban-diplomat-asks-pushes-for-better-ties-with-us-tampa-bay/2163425, Accessed 02-04-2014)
And that, Cabañas said, is …
of the Cuban Interests Section

Fifth, hyperbolic extinction impacts should be rejected — they make rational decision-making impossible.
Gross and Gilles 12 — Mathew Barrett Gross, New Media Strategist who served as the Director of Internet Communications for Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign, and Mel Gilles, Director of Sol Kula Yoga and Healing, 2012 (“How Apocalyptic Thinking Prevents Us from Taking Political Action,” The Atlantic, April 23rd, Available Online at http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/04/how-apocalyptic-thinking-prevents-us-from-taking-political-action/255758/, Accessed 10-10-2013)
Flip through the cable channels for …
And what is the likely impact of the worst-case model of any given threat?

Sixth, there are no prior questions — policy action is needed in specific situations despite uncertainty.
Kratochwil 9 — Friedrich Kratochwil, Chair of International Relations at the European University Institute, holds an M.A. in International Relations from Georgetown University and a Ph.D. in Politics from Princeton University, 2009 (“Ten points to ponder about pragmatism: some critical reflections on knowledge generation in the social sciences,” Pragmatism in International Relations, Edited by Harry Bauer and Elisabetta Brighi, Published by Routledge, ISBN 9780203885093, p. 20-21)
First, a pragmatic approach does not begin with …
assumptions. Besides, ‘timing’ seems to be quite recalcitrant to analytical treatment. 

Seventh, grassroots education and activism about the travel ban are valuable.
LAWG 13— Latin American Working Group—a non-profit activist organization that represents a coalition of over 60 national religious, human rights, grassroots, foreign policy, research, peace and development organizations dedicated to a more peaceful, just, and humane U.S. policy toward Latin America, 2013 (“What You Can Do To Support Travel For All To Cuba,” Available Online at http://www.lawg.org/storage/documents/Cuba/Flyer_-_how_to_become_an_advocate.pdf, Accessed 02-05-2014)
At the Latin America Working Group, we think that the …
ban with education and action from the grassroots. 

Eighth, debating about foreign policy is vital to student engagement — policy analysis is key.
Van de Velde 13 — Jacqueline Van de Velde, senior International Affairs and English major at the University of Georgia, Campus Network Senior Fellow for Defense and Diplomacy at the Roosevelt Institute, 2013 (“Obama Can't Avoid Foreign Policy Focus, and Neither Should Young People,” Next New Deal—the Roosevelt Institute’s blog, September 9th, Available Online at http://www.nextnewdeal.net/millennial-pulse/obama-cant-avoid-foreign-policy-focus-and-neither-should-young-people, Accessed 09-20-2013)
But if my work this summer was any …
that problem won’t be so immense.
On foreign policy, perhaps more than any other policy area, young Americans must be vocal about our ideas, whether that means promoting them in in-person meetings, suggesting them in blog posts, or presenting them at conferences. That will be critical if we hope to gain the access that is required to make an impact. With implementation of our ideas often in the hands of high-level politicians, analysts, and diplomats, we need to be just as serious about being heard as we are about producing quality policy analysis. So, let’s get started.

Ninth, it is important to find common ground and build coalitions. Totalizing rejection destroys effective progressive politics.
Giroux 12 — Henry A. Giroux, Global TV Network Chair Professorship in the Department of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University, 2012 (“Authoritarian Politics in the Age of Casino Capitalism,” truthout, August 27th, Available Online at http://www.counterpunch.org/2012/08/27/authoritarian-politics-in-the-age-of-casino-capitalism/, Accessed 11-16-2012)
Rather than invest in electoral politics …
wider effort to create a radical democracy.

Tournament: Barkley Forum | Round: 2 | Opponent: Northview CM | Judge: Tommy Jordan
As part of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue, the United States federal government should offer to facilitate improved efficiency and reduced congestion at Land Ports of Entry along the U.S.-Mexico border. 

Advantage One: Manufacturing

First, congestion at the U.S.-Mexico border hamstrings bilateral trade — infrastructure is antiquated.
Farnsworth 1/15 — Eric Farnsworth, Vice President of the Council of the Americas and Americas Society, formerly served in the White House Office of the Special Envoy for the Americas and the U.S. Department of State, holds an M.P.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, 2014 (“NAFTA at Twenty: Accomplishments, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” Testimony Before The Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives, January 15th, Available Online at http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20140115/101650/HHRG-113-FA07-Wstate-FarnsworthE-20140115.pdf, Accessed 01-16-2014, p. 3-4)
But the World has Changed in the Past 20 Years, and NAFTA has Become Dated
Since then, however, the world has changed dramatically, and NAFTA is …
infrastructure.
As trade increases, this picture will continue to get worse. 

Second, the plan effectively creates a 21st century U.S.-Mexico border. The framework already exists but bilateral engagement is key to economic health and the manufacturing sector.  
Wilson 12/9 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“Improving Security and Facilitating Commerce With Mexico At America’s Southern Border,” Testimony Before The Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives, December 9th, Available Online at http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20131209/101563/HHRG-113-FA07-Wstate-WilsonC-20131209.pdf, Accessed 01-16-2014, p. 2-4)
In my judgement, the framework for border management …
payoffs for each of these actions would be considerable. 

• • Third, U.S.-Mexico trade is the lynchpin of American manufacturing — it’s key to prevent outsourcing of production and jobs.
    Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Working Together: An Overview of Economic Integration,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 21-24)
    Trade with Mexico is vitally important to the U.S. economy …
    to gain preferential access to world markets.

Fourth, strong American manufacturing is vital to economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
Ezell 12 — Stephen Ezell, Senior Analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation—a non-partisan research and educational institute and think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity, former head of the Global Service Innovation Consortium at Peer Insight—an innovation research and consulting firm, holds a B.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University with an Honors Certificate from Georgetown’s Landegger International Business Diplomacy program, 2012 (“Why the United States Needs a National Manufacturing Strategy,” Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, Volume 7, Number 3, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Project MUSE, p. 179-183)
Why Manufacturing Matters to the U.S. Economy
A robust manufacturing sector is indispensable to the health of the U.S. economy for at least four critical reasons…
 Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) has introduced similar legislation (S. 751) in the Senate.25

Fifth, economic growth is crucial to address all global challenges — the impact is linear.
Silk 93 — Leonard Silk, Distinguished Professor of Economics at Pace University, Senior Research Fellow at the Ralph Bunche Institute on the United Nations at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and former Economics Columnist with the New York Times, 1993 (“Dangers of Slow Growth,” Foreign Affairs, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
Like the Great Depression, the current economic slump has …
liberal and open economies and societies.

Sixth, innovation is vital to maintain the defense industrial base and U.S. technological leadership.
Yudken 10 — Joel S. Yudken, Principal and Founder of High Road Strategies, LLC—a nationally known expert on industrial, energy, economic development, and technology policy issues, Sectoral Economist and Technology Policy Analyst in the Public Policy Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, former member of the National Research Council’s Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design, holds an M.S. in Engineering-Economic Systems and a Ph.D. in Technology and Society from Stanford University, 2010 (“Conclusion,” Manufacturing Insecurity: America's Manufacturing Crisis and the Erosion of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, Report Prepared for the Industrial Union Council of the AFL-CIO, September, Available Online at http://www.aflcio.org/content/download/3665/38375/manuffull_092010.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013)
The erosion and overseas migration of domestic manufacturing is…, and embodied in those displaced workers, is being lost as well.

Seventh, a strong defense industrial base is necessary to deter global conflict.
Eaglen and Sayers 9 — Mackenzie Eaglen, Research Fellow for National Security Studies at The Heritage Foundation, served as the Principal Defense Adviser to Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), former Presidential Management Fellow at the United States Department of Defense, holds an M.A. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and Eric Sayers, Research Assistant for National Security Policy at the Heritage Foundation, holds a M.Sc. in Strategic Studies from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and an M.A. in Political Science from The University of Western Ontario, 2009 (“Maintaining the Superiority of America's Defense Industrial Base,” Heritage Foundation Backgrounder #2276, May 22nd, Available Online at http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/05/maintaining-the-superiority-of-americas-defense-industrial-base, Accessed 09-01-2013)
America's military strength remains vital to preserving the nation's …
and Marine to remain adequately prepared for a full spectrum of potential operations.

Eighth, technological leadership is key to sustain overall U.S. leadership—theoretical models and 500 years of history.
Drezner 1 — Daniel Drezner, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, International Economist in the Office of International Banking and Securities at the Department of the Treasury, International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University, 2001 (“State Structure, Technological Leadership and The Maintenance Of Hegemony,” Review of International Studies, Volume 27, Issue 1, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Cambridge Journals Online, p. 3-5)
The importance of economic growth to state power is undisputed by international …
global stability, it cannot explain why technological hegemons lose their lead over time. 

Ninth, U.S. leadership is the lynchpin of global stability — withdrawal opens a power vacuum that spurs conflict.
Goure 13 — Daniel Goure, President of The Lexington Institute—a nonprofit public-policy research organization, Adjunct Professor in Graduate Programs at the Center for Peace and Security Studies at Georgetown University, Adjunct Professor at the National Defense University, former Deputy Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has consulted for the Departments of State, Defense and Energy, has taught or lectured at the Johns Hopkins University, the Foreign Service Institute, the National War College, the Naval War College, the Air War College, and the Inter-American Defense College, holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Relations and Russian Studies from Johns Hopkins University, 2013 (“How U.S. Military Power Holds the World Together,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4397/us-military-power, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The Centrality of U.S. Power
There are three fundamental problems with the argument in favor of abandoning …
and growing threats to security at home.

Tenth, U.S. leadership is vital and sustainable — the right policies will prevent decline.
Lieber 13 — Robert J. Lieber, Professor of Government and International Affairs at Georgetown University, has held fellowships from the Guggenheim, Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Government at Harvard University, 2013 (“Against the Idea of American Decline,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4398/american-decline, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The stakes are immense, and not only for America itself. Since World …
a resilience that has proved invaluable in the past and is likely to do so in the future.

Finally, U.S. hegemony ensures global peace — there’s no replacement.
Thayer 13 — Bradley A. Thayer, Tenured Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science at Utah State University, former Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Associate Professor of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago, 2013 (“Humans, Not Angels: Reasons to Doubt the Decline of War Thesis,” in “The Decline of War”—a Forum edited by Nils Petter Gleditsch, International Studies Review, Volume 15, Issue 3, September, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Wiley Online Library)
The Importance of the System and the Distribution of Power
Pinker adopts a unit level approach to his study, …
relative power changes and not to the benefit of the United States.

Advantage Two: Trade Leadership

First, U.S. global trade leadership is waning. Reinvigorating NAFTA by investing in border infrastructure is necessary to reverse this trend.
McLarty 12/15 — Thomas F. "Mack" McLarty, former White House Chief of Staff for President Bill Clinton, recipient of the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Medal and the Center for the Study of the Presidency Distinguished Service Award, 2013 (“It's Time for NAFTA 2.0,” Wall Street Journal, December 15th, Available Online at http://thedialogue.org/page.cfm?pageID=32andpubID=3455, Accessed 01-14-2014)
Yet today the U.S. and the region are facing a changing international …
an opportunity for another bipartisan moment in Washington. 

Second, border investment via the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue builds trade momentum and reinvigorates trade leadership — it’s key to the success of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
COA 1/10 — The Council of the Americas, 2014 (“Comments on the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue,” January 10th, Available Online at http://www.as-coa.org/articles/comments-us-mexico-high-level-economic-dialogue, Accessed 01-15-2014)
The Council of the Americas (Council) appreciates this opportunity to provide comments concerning the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue (HLED), particularly on the third pillar, Partnering for Regional and Global Leadership. The Council …
Department of Commerce for the opportunity to submit these comments and offers itself as a continued resource for the HLED. 

Third, U.S. global trade leadership through the TPP and TTIP is vital to global security. The certainty of the plan signals America’s commitment to free trade — it’s key to the economy, competitiveness, soft power, and transatlantic relations.
Heywood 10/15 — Marcela Heywood, Intern at the National Security Network, 2013 (“TPP, TTIP and Getting America's Competitiveness Back on Track,” Democracy Arsenal—a scholarly blog about foreign policy from the National Security Network, October 15th, Available Online at http://www.democracyarsenal.org/2013/10/tpp-ttip-and-getting-americas-competitiveness-back-on-track.html, Accessed 01-15-2014)
Last week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Bali, Indonesia marked further progress for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and set an ambitious goal to finish negotiations by the end of the year. Although the U.S. government shutdown – and President Obama’s absence in Bali – did not hinder the trade talks, it did call America’s credibility into question. Government shutdown could threaten both TPP and …
the structure of the international system in the 21st century.

Fourth, transatlantic relations provide an impact dampener that prevents catastrophic global impacts.
Stivachtis 10 — Yannis. A. Stivachtis, Director of the International Studies Program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, holds a Ph.D. in Politics and International Relations and an M.A. in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lancaster University (UK), 2010 (“The Imperative for Transatlantic Cooperation,” Research Institute for European and American Studies, Available Online at http://www.rieas.gr/research-areas/global-issues/transatlantic-studies/78.html, Accessed 11-20-2013)
There is no doubt that US-European relations are in a period of transition…
but the implications of success or failure will be global.

Finally, any alternative to U.S. trade leadership collapses the international system and sparks nuclear war.
Panzner 7— Michael J. Panzner, Faculty Member specializing in Equities, Trading, Global Capital Markets and Technical Analysis at the New York Institute of Finance, 25-year veteran of the global stock, bond, and currency markets who has worked in New York and London for HSBC, Soros Funds, ABN Amro, Dresdner Bank, and J.P. Morgan Chase, 2007 (“Geopolitics,” Financial Armageddon: Protecting Your Future from Four Impending Catastrophes, Published by Kaplan Publishing, ISBN 141959608X, p. 130-138)
With the United States losing its place at the head of the economic ….forcing many Americans to wonder when, or if, it will ever end.

Tournament: Barkely Forum | Round: 3 | Opponent: Bronx Science DM | Judge: Tucker Boyce
Same plan text and first advantage as BFHS Round 2

Contention Two: Politics

First, there are no prior questions — policy action is needed in specific situations despite uncertainty.
Kratochwil 9 — Friedrich Kratochwil, Chair of International Relations at the European University Institute, holds an M.A. in International Relations from Georgetown University and a Ph.D. in Politics from Princeton University, 2009 (“Ten points to ponder about pragmatism: some critical reflections on knowledge generation in the social sciences,” Pragmatism in International Relations, Edited by Harry Bauer and Elisabetta Brighi, Published by Routledge, ISBN 9780203885093, p. 20-21)
First, a pragmatic approach does not begin with objects or ‘things’ …
and the ‘large number’ assumptions. Besides, ‘timing’ seems to be quite recalcitrant to analytical treatment. 

Second, debating about foreign policy is vital to student engagement — policy analysis is key.
Van de Velde 13 — Jacqueline Van de Velde, senior International Affairs and English major at the University of Georgia, Campus Network Senior Fellow for Defense and Diplomacy at the Roosevelt Institute, 2013 (“Obama Can't Avoid Foreign Policy Focus, and Neither Should Young People,” Next New Deal—the Roosevelt Institute’s blog, September 9th, Available Online at http://www.nextnewdeal.net/millennial-pulse/obama-cant-avoid-foreign-policy-focus-and-neither-should-young-people, Accessed 09-20-2013)
But if my work this summer was any indication, our most pressing job …
as we are about producing quality policy analysis. So, let’s get started.

Third, policy analysis is valuable even though policymakers aren’t listening — debating about policy ideas is good.
Shulock 99 — Nancy Shulock, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Administration at California State University-Sacramento, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California-Davis, 1999 (“The Paradox of Policy Analysis: If It Is Not Used, Why Do We Produce So Much of It?,” Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Volume 18, Number 2, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Wiley InterScience, p. 240-241)
The critiques and accompanying prescriptions for a reinvented policy …
can reshape the policy landscape. Policy analysis can supply the ideas.

Fourth, reject arguments founded on suspicion about politics. Radical critiques make efforts to create a better future impossible — the impact is anti-politics.
Berman 1 — Paul Schiff Berman, Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Law, 2001 (“Approaches To The Cultural Study Of Law: Telling A Less Suspicious Story: Notes Toward A Non-Skeptical Approach To Legal/Cultural Analysis,” Yale Journal of Law and the Humanities (13 Yale J.L. and Human. 95), Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
The second drawback of the hermeneutics of …
who need to act in the world cannot afford to maintain. 113

Finally, anti-politics prevents effective resolution of all national and global challenges and opens the door to authoritarianism. Debate should be oriented toward political problem-solving, not radical critique.
Boggs 97 — Carl Boggs, 1997 (“The great retreat: Decline of the public sphere in late twentieth-century America,” Theory and Society, Volume 26, Issue 6, December, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via SpingerLink, p. 773-775)
Political malaise and global challenge
The decline of the public sphere in late twentieth-century America …
the culture of anti-politics, however, is that it precisely devalues those very types of information, skills, and attitudes.

Tournament: Calhoun | Round: 1 | Opponent: Westminster FH | Judge: Josh Clarke
See "Mexican Border Infrastructure 1AC - Chattahoochee"

Tournament: Carrollton | Round: 2 | Opponent: Johns Creek BM | Judge: Kiyoshi Woolheater
See "Mexican Border Infrastructure 1AC - Houston County"

Tournament: Glenbrooks | Round: 2 | Opponent: Blake LW | Judge: Lincoln Garrett
As part of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue, the United States federal government should offer to facilitate improved efficiency and reduced congestion at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Advantage One: U.S. Global Leadership

First, inefficiency and congestion at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry cost are decimating regional competitiveness — the status quo hamstrings trade.
Wilson 9/13 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“Ad-Hoc Hearing: Redefining Border Security: Border Communities Demand to be Heard in the Comprehensive Immigration Debate,” Congressional Testimony, September 13th, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Border20Trade20Testimony_0.pdf, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Creating a Secure and Competitive Border
The infrastructure and capacity …entry could exacerbate this issue.

Second, an efficient border is vital to sustain millions of jobs — each minute of added wait time costs $166 million.
O’Rourke 9/18 — Beto O’Rourke, Member of the United States House of Representatives (D-TX), 2013 (“Interview: Rep. Beto O'Rourke on How to Build Jobs at the U.S.-Mexico Border,” Americas Society / Council of the Americas, September 18th, Available Online at http://www.as-coa.org/articles/interview-rep-beto-orourke-how-build-jobs-us-mexico-border, Accessed 09-23-2013)
AS/COA: At our conference last month…through our ports of entry with Mexico. 

Third, shortfalls disincentivize production sharing — devastating overall regional competitiveness.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Introduction,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 5-8)
U.S.-Mexico economic integration boomed …Mexico as partners rather than competitors.

Fourth, the plan solves by improving efficiency and reducing congestion.  
Lee and Wilson 12 — Erik Lee, Associate Director at the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, former assistant director at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California-San Diego, holds an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California-San Diego, and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2012 (“The State of Trade, Competitiveness and Economic Wellbeing in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region,” Working Paper of the Border Research Partnership—comprised of Arizona State University’s North American Center for Transborder Studies, the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, and the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, June, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/State_of_Border_Trade_Economy_0.pdf, Accessed 05-14-2013, p. 2-3)
Commerce between the United States…individuals and shipments.

Fifth, U.S.-Mexico trade is the lynchpin of American manufacturing — it’s key to prevent outsourcing of production and jobs.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously ser

Tournament: Glenbrooks | Round: 4 | Opponent: Niles West CK | Judge: Edmund Zagorin
See "Mexican Border Infrastructure 1AC - Glenbrooks Round 2"

Tournament: Glenbrooks | Round: 5 | Opponent: Meadows NE | Judge: Misael Gonzalez
As part of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue, the United States federal government should offer to facilitate improved efficiency and reduced congestion at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border if Mexico agrees to apprehend Rafael Caro Quintero and extradite him to the United States to face charges.

Advantage One: U.S. Global Leadership

First, inefficiency and congestion at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry cost are decimating regional competitiveness — the status quo hamstrings trade.
Wilson 9/13 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“Ad-Hoc Hearing: Redefining Border Security: Border Communities Demand to be Heard in the Comprehensive Immigration Debate,” Congressional Testimony, September 13th, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Border20Trade20Testimony_0.pdf, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Creating a Secure and Competitive Border
The infrastructure and capacity …entry could exacerbate this issue.

Second, an efficient border is vital to sustain millions of jobs — each minute of added wait time costs $166 million.
O’Rourke 9/18 — Beto O’Rourke, Member of the United States House of Representatives (D-TX), 2013 (“Interview: Rep. Beto O'Rourke on How to Build Jobs at the U.S.-Mexico Border,” Americas Society / Council of the Americas, September 18th, Available Online at http://www.as-coa.org/articles/interview-rep-beto-orourke-how-build-jobs-us-mexico-border, Accessed 09-23-2013)
AS/COA: At our conference last month…through our ports of entry with Mexico. 

Third, shortfalls disincentivize production sharing — devastating overall regional competitiveness.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Introduction,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 5-8)
U.S.-Mexico economic integration boomed …Mexico as partners rather than competitors.

Fourth, the plan solves by improving efficiency and reducing congestion.  
Lee and Wilson 12 — Erik Lee, Associate Director at the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, former assistant director at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California-San Diego, holds an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California-San Diego, and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2012 (“The State of Trade, Competitiveness and Economic Wellbeing in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region,” Working Paper of the Border Research Partnership—comprised of Arizona State University’s North American Center for Transborder Studies, the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, and the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, June, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/State_of_Border_Trade_Economy_0.pdf, Accessed 05-14-2013, p. 2-3)
Commerce between the United States…individuals and shipments.

Fifth, U.S.-Mexico trade is the lynchpin of American manufacturing — it’s key to prevent outsourcing of production and jobs.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Working Together: An Overview of Economic Integration,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 21-24)
Trade with Mexico is vitally important to the U.S. …to gain preferential access to world markets.

Sixth, strong American manufacturing is vital to economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
Ezell 12 — Stephen Ezell, Senior Analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation—a non-partisan research and educational institute and think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity, former head of the Global Service Innovation Consortium at Peer Insight—an innovation research and consulting firm, holds a B.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University with an Honors Certificate from Georgetown’s Landegger International Business Diplomacy program, 2012 (“Why the United States Needs a National Manufacturing Strategy,” Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, Volume 7, Number 3, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Project MUSE, p. 179-183)
Why Manufacturing Matters to the U.S. Economy
A robust manufacturing sector is indispensable …has introduced similar legislation (S. 751) in the Senate.25

Seventh, economic growth is crucial to address all global challenges — the impact is linear.
Silk 93 — Leonard Silk, Distinguished Professor of Economics at Pace University, Senior Research Fellow at the Ralph Bunche Institute on the United Nations at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and former Economics Columnist with the New York Times, 1993 (“Dangers of Slow Growth,” Foreign Affairs, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
Like the Great Depression, the current …economies and societies.

And, alternatives to growth kill hundreds of millions and cause global conflict—we can’t “turn off” the economy.
Barnhizer 6 — David R. Barnhizer, Emeritus Professor at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, 2006 (“Waking from Sustainability's "Impossible Dream": The Decisionmaking Realities of Business and Government,” Georgetown International Environmental Law Review (18 Geo. Int'l Envtl. L. Rev. 595), Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
The scale of social needs, including …destructive consequences of our behavior.

Ninth, innovation is vital to maintain the defense industrial base and U.S. technological leadership.
Yudken 10 — Joel S. Yudken, Principal and Founder of High Road Strategies, LLC—a nationally known expert on industrial, energy, economic development, and technology policy issues, Sectoral Economist and Technology Policy Analyst in the Public Policy Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, former member of the National Research Council’s Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design, holds an M.S. in Engineering-Economic Systems and a Ph.D. in Technology and Society from Stanford University, 2010 (“Conclusion,” Manufacturing Insecurity: America's Manufacturing Crisis and the Erosion of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, Report Prepared for the Industrial Union Council of the AFL-CIO, September, Available Online at http://www.aflcio.org/content/download/3665/38375/manuffull_092010.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013)
The erosion and overseas migration of domestic …workers, is being lost as well.

Tenth, a strong defense industrial base is necessary to deter global conflict.
Eaglen and Sayers 9 — Mackenzie Eaglen and Eric Sayers, 2009 (“Maintaining the Superiority of America's Defense Industrial Base,” Heritage Foundation Backgrounder #2276, May 22nd, Available Online at http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/05/maintaining-the-superiority-of-americas-defense-industrial-base, Accessed 09-01-2013)
America's military strength remains …a full spectrum of potential operations.

And, technological leadership is key to sustain overall U.S. leadership—theoretical models and 500 years of history.
Drezner 1 — Daniel Drezner, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, International Economist in the Office of International Banking and Securities at the Department of the Treasury, International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University, 2001 (“State Structure, Technological Leadership and The Maintenance Of Hegemony,” Review of International Studies, Volume 27, Issue 1, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Cambridge Journals Online, p. 3-5)
The importance of economic growth to …why technological hegemons lose their lead over time. 

Twelfth, U.S. leadership is the lynchpin of global stability — withdrawal opens a power vacuum that spurs conflict.
Goure 13 — Daniel Goure, President of The Lexington Institute—a nonprofit public-policy research organization, Adjunct Professor in Graduate Programs at the Center for Peace and Security Studies at Georgetown University, Adjunct Professor at the National Defense University, former Deputy Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has consulted for the Departments of State, Defense and Energy, has taught or lectured at the Johns Hopkins University, the Foreign Service Institute, the National War College, the Naval War College, the Air War College, and the Inter-American Defense College, holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Relations and Russian Studies from Johns Hopkins University, 2013 (“How U.S. Military Power Holds the World Together,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4397/us-military-power, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The Centrality of U.S. Power
There are three fundamental…threats to security at home.

And, U.S. leadership is vital and sustainable — the right policies will prevent decline.
Lieber 13 — Robert J. Lieber, Professor of Government and International Affairs at Georgetown University, has held fellowships from the Guggenheim, Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Government at Harvard University, 2013 (“Against the Idea of American Decline,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4398/american-decline, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The stakes are immense, and not…is likely to do so in the future.

• • U.S. leadership structurally decreases the risk of every proximate cause of conflict — best data.
    Owen 11 — John Owen, Associate Professor in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia, Faculty Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Harvard University, 2011 (“Don’t Discount Hegemony,” Cato Unbound, February 11th, Available Online at http://www.cato-unbound.org/2011/02/11/john-owen/dont-discount-hegemony/, Accessed 04-14-2013)
    Andrew Mack and his colleagues at the Human Security Report Project …much more than the humbling of a superpower.

Finally, U.S. hegemony ensures global peace — there’s no replacement.
Thayer 13 — Bradley A. Thayer, Tenured Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science at Utah State University, former Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Associate Professor of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago, 2013 (“Humans, Not Angels: Reasons to Doubt the Decline of War Thesis,” in “The Decline of War”—a Forum edited by Nils Petter Gleditsch, International Studies Review, Volume 15, Issue 3, September, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Wiley Online Library)
The Importance of the System and the Distribution of Power
Pinker adopts a unit level approach…not to the benefit of the United States.

Advantage Two: Caro Quintero

First, the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue has established a framework for economic engagement, but further investment in border infrastructure is needed.
Wood and Wilson 9/20 — Duncan Wood, Director of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, former Professor and Director of the International Relations Program at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, former Senior Associate with the Simon Chair and the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, holds a Ph.D. in Political Studies from Queen’s University (Canada), and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“For Biden, Mexico’s endless allure,” The Great Debate—a Reuters blog, September 20th, Available Online at http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2013/09/20/for-biden-mexicos-endless-allure/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Since the North American Free…projects is the role of the vice president.

Second, insisting on the extradition of Caro Quintero is vital to preserve U.S.-Mexico relations and maintain law and order. The signal of the plan is key.
DMN 8/12 — Dallas Morning News, 2013 (“Mexican cartel leader’s release an outrage,” August 12th, Available Online at http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20130812-editorial-mexican-cartel-leaders-release-an-outrage.ece, Accessed 09-03-2013)
A Mexican judge’s decision to release drug cartel…they will not escape justice for their crimes.

Third, the plan solves — a quid pro quo gives Nieto a chance to strongly condemn corruption.  
Bensinger 8/29 — Peter Bensinger, served as administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration from 1976 to 1981, 2013 (“Perspective: A travesty of justice,” Chicago Tribune, August 29th, Available Online at http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-08-29/opinion/ct-oped-0830-dea-20130830_1_drug-cartel-u-s-consulate-rafael-caro-quintero, Accessed 09-03-2013)
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a special agent…Caro Quintero. And Mexico must bring him to justice.

Fourth, that prevents democratic state collapse — the perception of corruption is key.
Corchado 8/11 — Alfredo Corchado, Mexico Bureau Chief for the Dallas Morning News, former Fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, former Rockefeller Fellow and Woodrow Wilson Scholar, recipient of the Maria Moors Cabot Prize from Columbia University, 2013 (“Drug lord’s release in DEA agent's 1985 death adds uncertainty to U.S.-Mexico relations,” August 11th, Available Online at http://www.dallasnews.com/news/nationworld/mexico/20130811-drug-lords-release-in-dea-agent-s-1985-death-adds-uncertainty-to-u.s.-mexico-relations.ece, Accessed 09-03-2013)
The U.S.-Mexico relationship turned …“Blow-up? Failed state? Frightening to think about.”

• Jordan = Phil Jordan, DEA Agent

Fifth, failure to consolidate Mexican democracy decimates the U.S. economy and national security.  
O’Neil 13 — Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a B.A. from Yale University, an M.A. in International Relations from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University, 2013 (“Mexico at the Crossroad,” Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead, Published by Oxford University Press, ISBN 0199898332, p. Kindle 4-7)
After nearly three transformative decades…in terms of treasure, manpower, and the U.S. national ethos would be enormous. 

Sixth, it also decimates global democracy promotion — Mexico is the key test case.
O’Neil 13 — Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a B.A. from Yale University, an M.A. in International Relations from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University, 2013 (“Mexico at the Crossroad,” Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead, Published by Oxford University Press, ISBN 0199898332, p. Kindle 7-11)
Working with Mexico—for the good of both countries… It also encouraged (albeit unintentionally) Mexico’s democratization. 

Seventh, effective democracy promotion is crucial to global stability — it solves the root cause of major impacts.
Miller 12 — Paul D. Miller, Assistant Professor in the Department of Regional and Analytical Studies at the College of International Security Affairs at the National Defense University, serves as an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, served as Director for Afghanistan on the National Security Council from 2007 to 2009, served as a political analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency specializing in South Asia, holds a Masters in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a Ph.D. in International Relations from Georgetown University, 2012 (“American Grand Strategy and the Democratic Peace,” Survival: Global Politics and Strategy, Volume 54, Issue 2, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Taylor and Francis Online)
A grand strategy that includes promoting…underlying challenges to stability and democracy.

Finally, the plan puts pressure on Mexico to act — they’ll say “yes”.
Fox News 10/10 — Fox News, 2013 (“US apparently declines to pressure Mexico in search for DEA agent's killer,” October 10th, Available Online at http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/10/10/us-apparently-declines-to-pressure-mexico-in-search-for-dea-agent-killer/, Accessed 10-16-2013)
Two months after the man responsible…“Right now, they don’t see it.”

Tournament: Houston County | Round: 2 | Opponent: Grady CH | Judge: Libby Mandarino
As part of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue, the United States federal government should offer to facilitate improved efficiency and reduced congestion at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Advantage One: U.S. Global Leadership

First, inefficiency and congestion at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry cost are decimating regional competitiveness — the status quo hamstrings trade.
Wilson 9/13 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“Ad-Hoc Hearing: Redefining Border Security: Border Communities Demand to be Heard in the Comprehensive Immigration Debate,” Congressional Testimony, September 13th, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Border20Trade20Testimony_0.pdf, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Creating a Secure and Competitive Border
The infrastructure and capacity …entry could exacerbate this issue.

Second, an efficient border is vital to sustain millions of jobs — each minute of added wait time costs $166 million.
O’Rourke 9/18 — Beto O’Rourke, Member of the United States House of Representatives (D-TX), 2013 (“Interview: Rep. Beto O'Rourke on How to Build Jobs at the U.S.-Mexico Border,” Americas Society / Council of the Americas, September 18th, Available Online at http://www.as-coa.org/articles/interview-rep-beto-orourke-how-build-jobs-us-mexico-border, Accessed 09-23-2013)
AS/COA: At our conference last month…through our ports of entry with Mexico. 

Third, shortfalls disincentivize production sharing — devastating overall regional competitiveness.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Introduction,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 5-8)
U.S.-Mexico economic integration boomed …Mexico as partners rather than competitors.

Fourth, the plan solves by improving efficiency and reducing congestion.  
Lee and Wilson 12 — Erik Lee, Associate Director at the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, former assistant director at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California-San Diego, holds an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California-San Diego, and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2012 (“The State of Trade, Competitiveness and Economic Wellbeing in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region,” Working Paper of the Border Research Partnership—comprised of Arizona State University’s North American Center for Transborder Studies, the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, and the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, June, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/State_of_Border_Trade_Economy_0.pdf, Accessed 05-14-2013, p. 2-3)
Commerce between the United States…individuals and shipments.

Fifth, U.S.-Mexico trade is the lynchpin of American manufacturing — it’s key to prevent outsourcing of production and jobs.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Working Together: An Overview of Economic Integration,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 21-24)
Trade with Mexico is vitally important to the U.S. …to gain preferential access to world markets.

Sixth, strong American manufacturing is vital to economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
Ezell 12 — Stephen Ezell, Senior Analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation—a non-partisan research and educational institute and think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity, former head of the Global Service Innovation Consortium at Peer Insight—an innovation research and consulting firm, holds a B.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University with an Honors Certificate from Georgetown’s Landegger International Business Diplomacy program, 2012 (“Why the United States Needs a National Manufacturing Strategy,” Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, Volume 7, Number 3, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Project MUSE, p. 179-183)
Why Manufacturing Matters to the U.S. Economy
A robust manufacturing sector is indispensable …has introduced similar legislation (S. 751) in the Senate.25

Seventh, economic growth is crucial to address all global challenges — the impact is linear.
Silk 93 — Leonard Silk, Distinguished Professor of Economics at Pace University, Senior Research Fellow at the Ralph Bunche Institute on the United Nations at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and former Economics Columnist with the New York Times, 1993 (“Dangers of Slow Growth,” Foreign Affairs, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
Like the Great Depression, the current …economies and societies.

And, alternatives to growth kill hundreds of millions and cause global conflict—we can’t “turn off” the economy.
Barnhizer 6 — David R. Barnhizer, Emeritus Professor at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, 2006 (“Waking from Sustainability's "Impossible Dream": The Decisionmaking Realities of Business and Government,” Georgetown International Environmental Law Review (18 Geo. Int'l Envtl. L. Rev. 595), Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
The scale of social needs, including …destructive consequences of our behavior.

Ninth, innovation is vital to maintain the defense industrial base and U.S. technological leadership.
Yudken 10 — Joel S. Yudken, Principal and Founder of High Road Strategies, LLC—a nationally known expert on industrial, energy, economic development, and technology policy issues, Sectoral Economist and Technology Policy Analyst in the Public Policy Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, former member of the National Research Council’s Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design, holds an M.S. in Engineering-Economic Systems and a Ph.D. in Technology and Society from Stanford University, 2010 (“Conclusion,” Manufacturing Insecurity: America's Manufacturing Crisis and the Erosion of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, Report Prepared for the Industrial Union Council of the AFL-CIO, September, Available Online at http://www.aflcio.org/content/download/3665/38375/manuffull_092010.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013)
The erosion and overseas migration of domestic …workers, is being lost as well.

Tenth, a strong defense industrial base is necessary to deter global conflict.
Eaglen and Sayers 9 — Mackenzie Eaglen and Eric Sayers, 2009 (“Maintaining the Superiority of America's Defense Industrial Base,” Heritage Foundation Backgrounder #2276, May 22nd, Available Online at http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/05/maintaining-the-superiority-of-americas-defense-industrial-base, Accessed 09-01-2013)
America's military strength remains …a full spectrum of potential operations.

And, technological leadership is key to sustain overall U.S. leadership—theoretical models and 500 years of history.
Drezner 1 — Daniel Drezner, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, International Economist in the Office of International Banking and Securities at the Department of the Treasury, International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University, 2001 (“State Structure, Technological Leadership and The Maintenance Of Hegemony,” Review of International Studies, Volume 27, Issue 1, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Cambridge Journals Online, p. 3-5)
The importance of economic growth to …why technological hegemons lose their lead over time. 

Twelfth, U.S. leadership is the lynchpin of global stability — withdrawal opens a power vacuum that spurs conflict.
Goure 13 — Daniel Goure, President of The Lexington Institute—a nonprofit public-policy research organization, Adjunct Professor in Graduate Programs at the Center for Peace and Security Studies at Georgetown University, Adjunct Professor at the National Defense University, former Deputy Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has consulted for the Departments of State, Defense and Energy, has taught or lectured at the Johns Hopkins University, the Foreign Service Institute, the National War College, the Naval War College, the Air War College, and the Inter-American Defense College, holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Relations and Russian Studies from Johns Hopkins University, 2013 (“How U.S. Military Power Holds the World Together,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4397/us-military-power, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The Centrality of U.S. Power
There are three fundamental…threats to security at home.

And, U.S. leadership is vital and sustainable — the right policies will prevent decline.
Lieber 13 — Robert J. Lieber, Professor of Government and International Affairs at Georgetown University, has held fellowships from the Guggenheim, Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Government at Harvard University, 2013 (“Against the Idea of American Decline,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4398/american-decline, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The stakes are immense, and not…is likely to do so in the future.

• • U.S. leadership structurally decreases the risk of every proximate cause of conflict — best data.
    Owen 11 — John Owen, Associate Professor in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia, Faculty Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Harvard University, 2011 (“Don’t Discount Hegemony,” Cato Unbound, February 11th, Available Online at http://www.cato-unbound.org/2011/02/11/john-owen/dont-discount-hegemony/, Accessed 04-14-2013)
    Andrew Mack and his colleagues at the Human Security Report Project …much more than the humbling of a superpower.

Finally, U.S. hegemony ensures global peace — there’s no replacement.
Thayer 13 — Bradley A. Thayer, Tenured Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science at Utah State University, former Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Associate Professor of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago, 2013 (“Humans, Not Angels: Reasons to Doubt the Decline of War Thesis,” in “The Decline of War”—a Forum edited by Nils Petter Gleditsch, International Studies Review, Volume 15, Issue 3, September, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Wiley Online Library)
The Importance of the System and the Distribution of Power
Pinker adopts a unit level approach…not to the benefit of the United States.

Advantage Two: Energy Reforms

First, the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue has established a framework for economic engagement, but further investment in border infrastructure is needed. President Nieto’s reform agenda hangs in the balance.
Wood and Wilson 13 — Duncan Wood, Director of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, former Professor and Director of the International Relations Program at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, former Senior Associate with the Simon Chair and the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, holds a Ph.D. in Political Studies from Queen’s University (Canada), and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“For Biden, Mexico’s endless allure,” The Great Debate—a Reuters blog, September 20th, Available Online at http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2013/09/20/for-biden-mexicos-endless-allure/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Vice President Joe Biden recently canceled the Panama leg …and U.S.-Mexico relations may have just found one.

Second, U.S. economic policy is key to the success of Nieto’s reform agenda — the plan gives Nieto a crucial policy victory to build momentum.  
Farnsworth and Werz 12 — Eric Farnsworth, Vice President of the Council of the Americas and Americas Society, formerly served in the White House Office of the Special Envoy for the Americas and the U.S. Department of State, holds an M.P.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and Michael Werz, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, Adjunct Professor at the BMW Center for German and European Studies at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, former Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund, holds a Ph. D. in Philosophy from Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main and an M. A. in Philosophy, Political Science, and Latin American Studies from Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main, 2012 (“The United States and Mexico: The Path Forward,” Center for American Progress, November 30th, Available Online at http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/security/news/2012/11/30/46430/the-united-states-and-mexico-the-path-forward/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
With labor reform out of the way, attention turns to the …on economic policy and immigration reform.

Third, successful reforms are key to Mexico’s economy and North American energy security — reforming PEMEX is vital.
Hill 9/12 — Patrice Hill, Chief Economic Correspondent for The Washington Times, 2013 (“Mexico could make North America the world leader in oil production,” The Washington Times, September 12th, Available Online at http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/12/mexico-could-make-north-america-the-world-leader-i/print/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Mexico is poised to join the North American oil revolution …65 percent of Mexicans prefer to keep foreign developers out of their country.

Fourth, Mexican economic growth is key to the U.S. economy and national security.  
O’Neil 13 — Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a B.A. from Yale University, an M.A. in International Relations from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University, 2013 (“Mexico at the Crossroad,” Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead, Published by Oxford University Press, ISBN 0199898332, p. Kindle 4-7)
After nearly three transformative decades, Mexico is …the U.S. national ethos would be enormous. 

Fifth, Mexican stability is key to the success of global democracy promotion — Mexico is the crucial test case.
O’Neil 13 — Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a B.A. from Yale University, an M.A. in International Relations from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University, 2013 (“Mexico at the Crossroad,” Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead, Published by Oxford University Press, ISBN 0199898332, p. Kindle 7-11)
Working with Mexico—for the good of both countries—will require…It also encouraged (albeit unintentionally) Mexico’s democratization. 

Sixth, effective democracy promotion is crucial to global stability — it solves the root cause of major impacts.
Miller 12 — Paul D. Miller, Assistant Professor in the Department of Regional and Analytical Studies at the College of International Security Affairs at the National Defense University, serves as an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, served as Director for Afghanistan on the National Security Council from 2007 to 2009, served as a political analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency specializing in South Asia, holds a Masters in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a Ph.D. in International Relations from Georgetown University, 2012 (“American Grand Strategy and the Democratic Peace,” Survival: Global Politics and Strategy, Volume 54, Issue 2, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Taylor and Francis Online)
A grand strategy that includes promoting the democratic peace…address the underlying challenges to stability and democracy.

Seventh, energy security enables the U.S. to effectively prevent Iranian proliferation — cooperation with Mexico is key.
Hannah 12 — John Hannah, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, former National Security Advisor to Vice President Cheney, holds a J.D. from Yale Law School, 2012 (“Energy insecurity: How oil dependence undermines America's effort to stop the Iranian bomb,” Shadow Government—a Foreign Policy blog, October 12th, Available Online at http://shadow.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/12/energy_insecurity_how_oil_dependence_undermines_america_s_effort_to_stop_the_irania, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Concerns about oil prices have often badly …and economic growth could be quite profound.

Finally, Iran proliferation risks global nuclear war.
Kroenig 12 — Matthew Kroenig, Assistant Professor of Government at Georgetown University, Stanton Nuclear Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, former special adviser in the Office of the Secretary of Defense on a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellowship, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley, 2012 (“What Will Iran Do If It Gets a Nuclear Bomb?,” The Atlantic, February 22nd, Available Online at http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/02/what-will-iran-do-if-it-gets-a-nuclear-bomb/253430/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
A nuclear-armed Iran would pose a grave …nuclear weapons, which could be decades or even longer.

Tournament: MBA | Round: 1 | Opponent: Whitney Young DS | Judge: Toby Whisenhunt
As part of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue, the United States federal government should offer to facilitate improved efficiency and reduced congestion at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Advantage One: U.S.-Mexico Relations

First, the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue has established a framework for economic engagement, but further investment in border infrastructure is needed to improve relations.
Wood and Wilson 9/20 — Duncan Wood, Director of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, former Professor and Director of the International Relations Program at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, former Senior Associate with the Simon Chair and the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, holds a Ph.D. in Political Studies from Queen’s University (Canada), and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“For Biden, Mexico’s endless allure,” The Great Debate—a Reuters blog, September 20th, Available Online at http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2013/09/20/for-biden-mexicos-endless-allure/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Since the North American Free Trade…projects is the role of the vice president.

Second, the plan boosts overall relations — border investments are vital.   
Baker Institute 9— The James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University—a nonpartisan public policy think tank, 2009 (“Developing the U.S.-Mexico Border Region for a Prosperous and Secure Relationship,” Baker Institute Policy Report, Number 38, April, Available Online at http://www.bakerinstitute.org/publications/LAI-pub-BorderSecPREnglish-041509.pdf, Accessed 07-26-2013, p. 1)
The relationship between the United…rather than promote, common goals.

We’ll isolate two impacts. 

First, U.S.-Latin American Relations — they’re strained by the spying scandal.
AP 13 — Associated Press, 2013 (“Snowden affair chills US-Latin American ties,” July 15th, Available Online at http://www.newsdaily.com/world/a59f2f63240c922b489e51540d98ec77/snowden-affair-chills-us-latin-american-ties, Accessed 08-11-2013)
Latin America's unhappiness over the scandal…It's a step back."

Fortunately, the plan solves — Mexico is the key litmus test.
Hakim 13 — Peter Hakim, Peter Hakim, President Emeritus and Senior Fellow of the Inter-American Dialogue—a Washington-based think tank on Western Hemisphere affairs, Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, has served on boards and advisory committees for the World Bank, Council on Competitiveness, Inter-American Development Bank, Canadian Foundation for Latin America, Partners for Democratic Change, and Human Rights Watch, holds a Master of Public and International Affairs degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School, 2013 (“Obama returns to Latin America,” Latin Pulse — Inter-American Dialogue, April 19th, Available Online: http://www.thedialogue.org/page.cfm?pageID=32andpubID=3291ands=venezuela, Accessed: 05/10/2013)
When President Obama meets with Peña…their relations with the United States.

And, relations resolve a wide range of global impacts — cooperation is key.
Bachelet et al. 12 — Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile, head of UN Women, and Carla A. Hills, Co-chair of the Council on Foreign Relations, Chair of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, served as United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Ford and as a U.S. Trade Representative under President Bush, co-chairs of the Sol M. Linowitz Forum of the Inter-American Dialogue—a non-partisan, 100-member group of politicians, academics, business leaders, and others from the United States and Latin America, et al., 2012 (“Remaking the Relationship: The United States and Latin America,” Report of the Sol M. Linowitz Forum of the Inter-American Dialogue, April, Available Online at http://www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/IAD2012PolicyReportFINAL.pdf, Accessed 05-20-2013, p. 3-4)
There are compelling reasons for the United States…Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Second, Transatlantic Relations — they’re on the brink of collapse because of NSA spying.
Leonard 11/1 — Mark Leonard, Co-Founder and Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, former Director of Foreign Policy at the Centre for European Reform and Director of the Foreign Policy Centre, 2013 (“The NSA and the weakness of American power,” European Council on Foreign Relations, November 1st, Available Online at http://ecfr.eu/content/entry/commentary_the_nsa_and_the_weakness_of_american_power, Accessed 11-20-2013)
The NSA scandal over phone…threaten to blow up their relations during a time of peace.

And, the plan solves — improved relations with Mexico are crucial to rebuild broken relationships worldwide.
Shirk 11/14 — David Shirk, Director of the Justice in Mexico Project and Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of San Diego, former Director of the Trans-Border Institute at the University of San Diego, former Fellow at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California-San Diego, 2013 (“The NSA in Mexico: If You Can’t Betray Your Friends, Who Can You Betray?,” The Expert Take—a scholarly blog from the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center, November 14th, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/nsamex, Accessed 11-19-2013)
The NSA wiretapping scandal has provoked …of cooperation with the United States.

And, transatlantic relations prevent catastrophic global impacts.
Stivachtis 10 — Yannis. A. Stivachtis, Director of the International Studies Program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, holds a Ph.D. in Politics and International Relations and an M.A. in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lancaster University (UK), 2010 (“The Imperative for Transatlantic Cooperation,” Research Institute for European and American Studies, Available Online at http://www.rieas.gr/research-areas/global-issues/transatlantic-studies/78.html, Accessed 11-20-2013)
There is no doubt that US-European relations …implications of success or failure will be global.

Advantage Two: U.S. Global Leadership

First, inefficiency and congestion at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry cost are decimating regional competitiveness — the status quo hamstrings trade.
Wilson 9/13 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“Ad-Hoc Hearing: Redefining Border Security: Border Communities Demand to be Heard in the Comprehensive Immigration Debate,” Congressional Testimony, September 13th, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Border20Trade20Testimony_0.pdf, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Creating a Secure and Competitive Border
The infrastructure and capacity …entry could exacerbate this issue.

Second, an efficient border is vital to sustain millions of jobs — each minute of added wait time costs $166 million.
O’Rourke 9/18 — Beto O’Rourke, Member of the United States House of Representatives (D-TX), 2013 (“Interview: Rep. Beto O'Rourke on How to Build Jobs at the U.S.-Mexico Border,” Americas Society / Council of the Americas, September 18th, Available Online at http://www.as-coa.org/articles/interview-rep-beto-orourke-how-build-jobs-us-mexico-border, Accessed 09-23-2013)
AS/COA: At our conference last month…through our ports of entry with Mexico.

Third, shortfalls disincentivize production sharing — devastating overall regional competitiveness.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Introduction,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 5-8)
U.S.-Mexico economic integration boomed …Mexico as partners rather than competitors.

Fourth, the plan solves by improving efficiency and reducing congestion.  
Lee and Wilson 12 — Erik Lee, Associate Director at the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, former assistant director at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California-San Diego, holds an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California-San Diego, and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2012 (“The State of Trade, Competitiveness and Economic Wellbeing in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region,” Working Paper of the Border Research Partnership—comprised of Arizona State University’s North American Center for Transborder Studies, the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, and the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, June, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/State_of_Border_Trade_Economy_0.pdf, Accessed 05-14-2013, p. 2-3)
Commerce between the United States…individuals and shipments.

Fifth, U.S.-Mexico trade is the lynchpin of American manufacturing — it’s key to prevent outsourcing of production and jobs.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Working Together: An Overview of Economic Integration,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 21-24)
Trade with Mexico is vitally important to the U.S. …to gain preferential access to world markets.

Sixth, strong American manufacturing is vital to economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
Ezell 12 — Stephen Ezell, Senior Analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation—a non-partisan research and educational institute and think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity, former head of the Global Service Innovation Consortium at Peer Insight—an innovation research and consulting firm, holds a B.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University with an Honors Certificate from Georgetown’s Landegger International Business Diplomacy program, 2012 (“Why the United States Needs a National Manufacturing Strategy,” Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, Volume 7, Number 3, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Project MUSE, p. 179-183)
Why Manufacturing Matters to the U.S. Economy
A robust manufacturing sector is indispensable …has introduced similar legislation (S. 751) in the Senate.25

Seventh, economic growth is crucial to address all global challenges — the impact is linear.
Silk 93 — Leonard Silk, Distinguished Professor of Economics at Pace University, Senior Research Fellow at the Ralph Bunche Institute on the United Nations at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and former Economics Columnist with the New York Times, 1993 (“Dangers of Slow Growth,” Foreign Affairs, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
Like the Great Depression, the current …economies and societies.

And, alternatives to growth kill hundreds of millions and cause global conflict—we can’t “turn off” the economy.
Barnhizer 6 — David R. Barnhizer, Emeritus Professor at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, 2006 (“Waking from Sustainability's "Impossible Dream": The Decisionmaking Realities of Business and Government,” Georgetown International Environmental Law Review (18 Geo. Int'l Envtl. L. Rev. 595), Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
The scale of social needs, including …destructive consequences of our behavior.

Ninth, innovation is vital to maintain the defense industrial base and U.S. technological leadership.
Yudken 10 — Joel S. Yudken, Principal and Founder of High Road Strategies, LLC—a nationally known expert on industrial, energy, economic development, and technology policy issues, Sectoral Economist and Technology Policy Analyst in the Public Policy Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, former member of the National Research Council’s Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design, holds an M.S. in Engineering-Economic Systems and a Ph.D. in Technology and Society from Stanford University, 2010 (“Conclusion,” Manufacturing Insecurity: America's Manufacturing Crisis and the Erosion of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, Report Prepared for the Industrial Union Council of the AFL-CIO, September, Available Online at http://www.aflcio.org/content/download/3665/38375/manuffull_092010.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013)
The erosion and overseas migration of domestic …workers, is being lost as well.

Tenth, a strong defense industrial base is necessary to deter global conflict.
Eaglen and Sayers 9 — Mackenzie Eaglen and Eric Sayers, 2009 (“Maintaining the Superiority of America's Defense Industrial Base,” Heritage Foundation Backgrounder #2276, May 22nd, Available Online at http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/05/maintaining-the-superiority-of-americas-defense-industrial-base, Accessed 09-01-2013)
America's military strength remains …a full spectrum of potential operations.

And, technological leadership is key to sustain overall U.S. leadership—theoretical models and 500 years of history.
Drezner 1 — Daniel Drezner, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, International Economist in the Office of International Banking and Securities at the Department of the Treasury, International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University, 2001 (“State Structure, Technological Leadership and The Maintenance Of Hegemony,” Review of International Studies, Volume 27, Issue 1, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Cambridge Journals Online, p. 3-5)
The importance of economic growth to …why technological hegemons lose their lead over time. 

Twelfth, U.S. leadership is the lynchpin of global stability — withdrawal opens a power vacuum that spurs conflict.
Goure 13 — Daniel Goure, President of The Lexington Institute—a nonprofit public-policy research organization, Adjunct Professor in Graduate Programs at the Center for Peace and Security Studies at Georgetown University, Adjunct Professor at the National Defense University, former Deputy Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has consulted for the Departments of State, Defense and Energy, has taught or lectured at the Johns Hopkins University, the Foreign Service Institute, the National War College, the Naval War College, the Air War College, and the Inter-American Defense College, holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Relations and Russian Studies from Johns Hopkins University, 2013 (“How U.S. Military Power Holds the World Together,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4397/us-military-power, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The Centrality of U.S. Power
There are three fundamental…threats to security at home.

And, U.S. leadership is vital and sustainable — the right policies will prevent decline.
Lieber 13 — Robert J. Lieber, Professor of Government and International Affairs at Georgetown University, has held fellowships from the Guggenheim, Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Government at Harvard University, 2013 (“Against the Idea of American Decline,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4398/american-decline, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The stakes are immense, and not…is likely to do so in the future.

• • U.S. leadership structurally decreases the risk of every proximate cause of conflict — best data.
    Owen 11 — John Owen, Associate Professor in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia, Faculty Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Harvard University, 2011 (“Don’t Discount Hegemony,” Cato Unbound, February 11th, Available Online at http://www.cato-unbound.org/2011/02/11/john-owen/dont-discount-hegemony/, Accessed 04-14-2013)
    Andrew Mack and his colleagues at the Human Security Report Project …much more than the humbling of a superpower.

Finally, U.S. hegemony ensures global peace — there’s no replacement.
Thayer 13 — Bradley A. Thayer, Tenured Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science at Utah State University, former Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Associate Professor of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago, 2013 (“Humans, Not Angels: Reasons to Doubt the Decline of War Thesis,” in “The Decline of War”—a Forum edited by Nils Petter Gleditsch, International Studies Review, Volume 15, Issue 3, September, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Wiley Online Library)
The Importance of the System and the Distribution of Power
Pinker adopts a unit level approach…not to the benefit of the United Sta

Tournament: MBA | Round: 3 | Opponent: Caddo Magnet CM | Judge: Maria Liu
See "Mexican Border Infrastructure 1AC - MBA"

Tournament: MBA | Round: 6 | Opponent: Riverhill DD | Judge: Andrew Spomer
See "Mexican Border Infrastructure 1AC - MBA"

Tournament: Ohio Valley | Round: 3 | Opponent: Alpharetta KM | Judge: Kevin Bancroft
As part of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue, the United States federal government should offer to facilitate improved efficiency and reduced congestion at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Advantage One: U.S. Global Leadership

First, inefficiency and congestion at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry cost are decimating regional competitiveness — the status quo hamstrings trade.
Wilson 9/13 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“Ad-Hoc Hearing: Redefining Border Security: Border Communities Demand to be Heard in the Comprehensive Immigration Debate,” Congressional Testimony, September 13th, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Border20Trade20Testimony_0.pdf, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Creating a Secure and Competitive Border
The infrastructure and capacity …entry could exacerbate this issue.

Second, an efficient border is vital to sustain millions of jobs — each minute of added wait time costs $166 million.
O’Rourke 9/18 — Beto O’Rourke, Member of the United States House of Representatives (D-TX), 2013 (“Interview: Rep. Beto O'Rourke on How to Build Jobs at the U.S.-Mexico Border,” Americas Society / Council of the Americas, September 18th, Available Online at http://www.as-coa.org/articles/interview-rep-beto-orourke-how-build-jobs-us-mexico-border, Accessed 09-23-2013)
AS/COA: At our conference last month…through our ports of entry with Mexico. 

Third, shortfalls disincentivize production sharing — devastating overall regional competitiveness.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Introduction,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 5-8)
U.S.-Mexico economic integration boomed …Mexico as partners rather than competitors.

Fourth, the plan solves by improving efficiency and reducing congestion.  
Lee and Wilson 12 — Erik Lee, Associate Director at the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, former assistant director at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California-San Diego, holds an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California-San Diego, and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2012 (“The State of Trade, Competitiveness and Economic Wellbeing in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region,” Working Paper of the Border Research Partnership—comprised of Arizona State University’s North American Center for Transborder Studies, the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, and the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, June, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/State_of_Border_Trade_Economy_0.pdf, Accessed 05-14-2013, p. 2-3)
Commerce between the United States…individuals and shipments.

Fifth, U.S.-Mexico trade is the lynchpin of American manufacturing — it’s key to prevent outsourcing of production and jobs.
Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Working Together: An Overview of Economic Integration,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 21-24)
Trade with Mexico is vitally important to the U.S. …to gain preferential access to world markets.

Sixth, strong American manufacturing is vital to economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
Ezell 12 — Stephen Ezell, Senior Analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation—a non-partisan research and educational institute and think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity, former head of the Global Service Innovation Consortium at Peer Insight—an innovation research and consulting firm, holds a B.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University with an Honors Certificate from Georgetown’s Landegger International Business Diplomacy program, 2012 (“Why the United States Needs a National Manufacturing Strategy,” Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, Volume 7, Number 3, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Project MUSE, p. 179-183)
Why Manufacturing Matters to the U.S. Economy
A robust manufacturing sector is indispensable …has introduced similar legislation (S. 751) in the Senate.25

Seventh, economic growth is crucial to address all global challenges — the impact is linear.
Silk 93 — Leonard Silk, Distinguished Professor of Economics at Pace University, Senior Research Fellow at the Ralph Bunche Institute on the United Nations at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and former Economics Columnist with the New York Times, 1993 (“Dangers of Slow Growth,” Foreign Affairs, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
Like the Great Depression, the current …economies and societies.

And, alternatives to growth kill hundreds of millions and cause global conflict—we can’t “turn off” the economy.
Barnhizer 6 — David R. Barnhizer, Emeritus Professor at Cleveland State University’s Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, 2006 (“Waking from Sustainability's "Impossible Dream": The Decisionmaking Realities of Business and Government,” Georgetown International Environmental Law Review (18 Geo. Int'l Envtl. L. Rev. 595), Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
The scale of social needs, including …destructive consequences of our behavior.

Ninth, innovation is vital to maintain the defense industrial base and U.S. technological leadership.
Yudken 10 — Joel S. Yudken, Principal and Founder of High Road Strategies, LLC—a nationally known expert on industrial, energy, economic development, and technology policy issues, Sectoral Economist and Technology Policy Analyst in the Public Policy Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, former member of the National Research Council’s Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design, holds an M.S. in Engineering-Economic Systems and a Ph.D. in Technology and Society from Stanford University, 2010 (“Conclusion,” Manufacturing Insecurity: America's Manufacturing Crisis and the Erosion of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, Report Prepared for the Industrial Union Council of the AFL-CIO, September, Available Online at http://www.aflcio.org/content/download/3665/38375/manuffull_092010.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013)
The erosion and overseas migration of domestic …workers, is being lost as well.

Tenth, a strong defense industrial base is necessary to deter global conflict.
Eaglen and Sayers 9 — Mackenzie Eaglen and Eric Sayers, 2009 (“Maintaining the Superiority of America's Defense Industrial Base,” Heritage Foundation Backgrounder #2276, May 22nd, Available Online at http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/05/maintaining-the-superiority-of-americas-defense-industrial-base, Accessed 09-01-2013)
America's military strength remains …a full spectrum of potential operations.

And, technological leadership is key to sustain overall U.S. leadership—theoretical models and 500 years of history.
Drezner 1 — Daniel Drezner, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, International Economist in the Office of International Banking and Securities at the Department of the Treasury, International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University, 2001 (“State Structure, Technological Leadership and The Maintenance Of Hegemony,” Review of International Studies, Volume 27, Issue 1, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Cambridge Journals Online, p. 3-5)
The importance of economic growth to …why technological hegemons lose their lead over time. 

Twelfth, U.S. leadership is the lynchpin of global stability — withdrawal opens a power vacuum that spurs conflict.
Goure 13 — Daniel Goure, President of The Lexington Institute—a nonprofit public-policy research organization, Adjunct Professor in Graduate Programs at the Center for Peace and Security Studies at Georgetown University, Adjunct Professor at the National Defense University, former Deputy Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has consulted for the Departments of State, Defense and Energy, has taught or lectured at the Johns Hopkins University, the Foreign Service Institute, the National War College, the Naval War College, the Air War College, and the Inter-American Defense College, holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Relations and Russian Studies from Johns Hopkins University, 2013 (“How U.S. Military Power Holds the World Together,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4397/us-military-power, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The Centrality of U.S. Power
There are three fundamental…threats to security at home.

And, U.S. leadership is vital and sustainable — the right policies will prevent decline.
Lieber 13 — Robert J. Lieber, Professor of Government and International Affairs at Georgetown University, has held fellowships from the Guggenheim, Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Government at Harvard University, 2013 (“Against the Idea of American Decline,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Center's journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4398/american-decline, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The stakes are immense, and not…is likely to do so in the future.

U.S. leadership structurally decreases the risk of every proximate cause of conflict — best data.
Owen 11 — John Owen, Associate Professor in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia, Faculty Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Harvard University, 2011 (“Don’t Discount Hegemony,” Cato Unbound, February 11th, Available Online at http://www.cato-unbound.org/2011/02/11/john-owen/dont-discount-hegemony/, Accessed 04-14-2013)
Andrew Mack and his colleagues at the Human Security Report Project …much more than the humbling of a superpower.

Finally, U.S. hegemony ensures global peace — there’s no replacement.
Thayer 13 — Bradley A. Thayer, Tenured Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science at Utah State University, former Professor of Political Science at Baylor University and Associate Professor of Defense and Strategic Studies at Missouri State University, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Chicago, 2013 (“Humans, Not Angels: Reasons to Doubt the Decline of War Thesis,” in “The Decline of War”—a Forum edited by Nils Petter Gleditsch, International Studies Review, Volume 15, Issue 3, September, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Wiley Online Library)
The Importance of the System and the Distribution of Power
Pinker adopts a unit level approach…not to the benefit of the United States.

Advantage Two: U.S.-Mexico Relations

First, the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue has established a framework for economic engagement, but further investment in border infrastructure is needed to improve relations.
Wood and Wilson 9/20 — Duncan Wood, Director of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, former Professor and Director of the International Relations Program at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, former Senior Associate with the Simon Chair and the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, holds a Ph.D. in Political Studies from Queen’s University (Canada), and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“For Biden, Mexico’s endless allure,” The Great Debate—a Reuters blog, September 20th, Available Online at http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2013/09/20/for-biden-mexicos-endless-allure/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Since the North American Free Trade…projects is the role of the vice president.

Second, the plan boosts overall relations — border investments are vital.   
Baker Institute 9— The James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University—a nonpartisan public policy think tank, 2009 (“Developing the U.S.-Mexico Border Region for a Prosperous and Secure Relationship,” Baker Institute Policy Report, Number 38, April, Available Online at http://www.bakerinstitute.org/publications/LAI-pub-BorderSecPREnglish-041509.pdf, Accessed 07-26-2013, p. 1)
The relationship between the United…rather than promote, common goals.

We’ll isolate two impacts. 

First, U.S.-Latin American Relations — they’re strained by the spying scandal.
AP 13 — Associated Press, 2013 (“Snowden affair chills US-Latin American ties,” July 15th, Available Online at http://www.newsdaily.com/world/a59f2f63240c922b489e51540d98ec77/snowden-affair-chills-us-latin-american-ties, Accessed 08-11-2013)

Latin America's unhappiness over the scandal…It's a step back."
Fortunately, the plan solves — Mexico is the key litmus test.
Hakim 13 — Peter Hakim, Peter Hakim, President Emeritus and Senior Fellow of the Inter-American Dialogue—a Washington-based think tank on Western Hemisphere affairs, Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, has served on boards and advisory committees for the World Bank, Council on Competitiveness, Inter-American Development Bank, Canadian Foundation for Latin America, Partners for Democratic Change, and Human Rights Watch, holds a Master of Public and International Affairs degree from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School, 2013 (“Obama returns to Latin America,” Latin Pulse — Inter-American Dialogue, April 19th, Available Online: http://www.thedialogue.org/page.cfm?pageID=32andpubID=3291ands=venezuela, Accessed: 05/10/2013)
When President Obama meets with Peña…their relations with the United States.

And, relations resolve a wide range of global impacts — cooperation is key.
Bachelet et al. 12 — Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile, head of UN Women, and Carla A. Hills, Co-chair of the Council on Foreign Relations, Chair of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, served as United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Ford and as a U.S. Trade Representative under President Bush, co-chairs of the Sol M. Linowitz Forum of the Inter-American Dialogue—a non-partisan, 100-member group of politicians, academics, business leaders, and others from the United States and Latin America, et al., 2012 (“Remaking the Relationship: The United States and Latin America,” Report of the Sol M. Linowitz Forum of the Inter-American Dialogue, April, Available Online at http://www.thedialogue.org/PublicationFiles/IAD2012PolicyReportFINAL.pdf, Accessed 05-20-2013, p. 3-4)
There are compelling reasons for the United States…Latin America and the Caribbean. 

Second, Transatlantic Relations — they’re on the brink of collapse because of NSA spying.
Leonard 11/1 — Mark Leonard, Co-Founder and Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, former Director of Foreign Policy at the Centre for European Reform and Director of the Foreign Policy Centre, 2013 (“The NSA and the weakness of American power,” European Council on Foreign Relations, November 1st, Available Online at http://ecfr.eu/content/entry/commentary_the_nsa_and_the_weakness_of_american_power, Accessed 11-20-2013)
The NSA scandal over phone…threaten to blow up their relations during a time of peace.

And, the plan solves — improved relations with Mexico are crucial to rebuild broken relationships worldwide.
Shirk 11/14 — David Shirk, Director of the Justice in Mexico Project and Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of San Diego, former Director of the Trans-Border Institute at the University of San Diego, former Fellow at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California-San Diego, 2013 (“The NSA in Mexico: If You Can’t Betray Your Friends, Who Can You Betray?,” The Expert Take—a scholarly blog from the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center, November 14th, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/nsamex, Accessed 11-19-2013)
The NSA wiretapping scandal has provoked …of cooperation with the United States.

And, transatlantic relations prevent catastrophic global impacts.
Stivachtis 10 — Yannis. A. Stivachtis, Director of the International Studies Program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, holds a Ph.D. in Politics and International Relations and an M.A. in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lancaster University (UK), 2010 (“The Imperative for Transatlantic Cooperation,” Research Institute for European and American Studies, Available Online at http://www.rieas.gr/research-areas/global-issues/transatlantic-studies/78.html, Accessed 11-20-2013)
There is no doubt that US-European relations …implications of success or failure will be global.

Tournament: Ohio Valley | Round: 2 | Opponent: Niles West AB | Judge: Joe Keeton
See "Mexican Border Infrastructure 1AC - Ohio Valley"

Tournament: St Marks Heart of Texas | Round: 2 | Opponent: Barstow SR | Judge: Jon Voss
See "Mexican Border Infrastructure 1AC - Chattahoochee" with the addition of the following card in the US Global Leadership Advantage:

Seventh, economic growth is crucial to address all global challenges — the impact is linear.
Silk 93 — Leonard Silk, Distinguished Professor of Economics at Pace University, Senior Research Fellow at the Ralph Bunche Institute on the United Nations at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and former Economics Columnist with the New York Times, 1993 (“Dangers of Slow Growth,” Foreign Affairs, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
Like the Great Depression, the current …economies and societies.

Tournament: Chattahoochee | Round: 1 | Opponent: Alpharetta HM | Judge: Libby Mandarino

1AC — Plan

As part of the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue, the United States federal government should offer to facilitate improved efficiency and reduced congestion at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.

1AC — U.S. Global Leadership Advantage

Advantage One: U.S. Global Leadership

First, inefficiency and congestion at U.S.-Mexico ports of entry cost are decimating regional competitiveness — the status quo hamstrings trade.

Wilson 9/13 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“Ad-Hoc Hearing: Redefining Border Security: Border Communities Demand to be Heard in the Comprehensive Immigration Debate,” Congressional Testimony, September 13th, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Border20Trade20Testimony_0.pdf, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Creating a Secure and Competitive Border … needs of the official ports of entry could exacerbate this issue.

Second, an efficient border is vital to sustain millions of jobs — each minute of added wait time costs $166 million.

O’Rourke 9/18 — Beto O’Rourke, Member of the United States House of Representatives (D-TX), 2013 (“Interview: Rep. Beto Oand#39;Rourke on How to Build Jobs at the U.S.-Mexico Border,” Americas Society / Council of the Americas, September 18th, Available Online at http://www.as-coa.org/articles/interview-rep-beto-orourke-how-build-jobs-us-mexico-border, Accessed 09-23-2013)
AS/COA: At our conference last month, you expressed concern with perceptions … and commerce through our ports of entry with Mexico. 

Third, shortfalls disincentivize production sharing — devastating overall regional competitiveness.

Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Introduction,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 5-8)
U.S.-Mexico economic integration boomed in the 1980s and 1990s as Mexico … with a vision of the United States and Mexico as partners rather than competitors.

Fourth, the plan solves by improving efficiency and reducing congestion.

Lee and Wilson 12 — Erik Lee, Associate Director at the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, former assistant director at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California-San Diego, holds an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California-San Diego, and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2012 (“The State of Trade, Competitiveness and Economic Wellbeing in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region,” Working Paper of the Border Research Partnership—comprised of Arizona State University’s North American Center for Transborder Studies, the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, and the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, June, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/State_of_Border_Trade_Economy_0.pdf, Accessed 05-14-2013, p. 2-3)
Commerce between the United States and Mexico is one of the great—yet underappreciated—success … unknown and potentially dangerous individuals and shipments.

Fifth, U.S.-Mexico trade is the lynchpin of American manufacturing — it’s key to prevent outsourcing of production and jobs.

Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Working Together: An Overview of Economic Integration,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 21-24)
Trade with Mexico is vitally important to the U.S. economy and the livelihood of millions of Americans … both nations to gain preferential access to world markets.

Sixth, strong American manufacturing is vital to economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.

Ezell 12 — Stephen Ezell, Senior Analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation—a non-partisan research and educational institute and think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity, former head of the Global Service Innovation Consortium at Peer Insight—an innovation research and consulting firm, holds a B.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University with an Honors Certificate from Georgetown’s Landegger International Business Diplomacy program, 2012 (“Why the United States Needs a National Manufacturing Strategy,” Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, Volume 7, Number 3, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Project MUSE, p. 179-183)
Why Manufacturing Matters to the U.S. Economy … has introduced similar legislation (S. 751) in the Senate.25

Seventh, innovation is vital to maintain the defense industrial base and U.S. technological leadership.

Yudken 10 — Joel S. Yudken, Principal and Founder of High Road Strategies, LLC—a nationally known expert on industrial, energy, economic development, and technology policy issues, Sectoral Economist and Technology Policy Analyst in the Public Policy Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, former member of the National Research Council’s Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design, holds an M.S. in Engineering-Economic Systems and a Ph.D. in Technology and Society from Stanford University, 2010 (“Conclusion,” Manufacturing Insecurity: Americaand#39;s Manufacturing Crisis and the Erosion of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, Report Prepared for the Industrial Union Council of the AFL-CIO, September, Available Online at http://www.aflcio.org/content/download/3665/38375/manuffull_092010.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013)
The erosion and overseas migration of domestic manufacturing is also weakening America’s RandD … and embodied in those displaced workers, is being lost as well.

Eighth, a strong defense industrial base is necessary to deter global conflict.

Eaglen and Sayers 9 — Mackenzie Eaglen and Eric Sayers, 2009 (“Maintaining the Superiority of Americaand#39;s Defense Industrial Base,” Heritage Foundation Backgrounder #2276, May 22nd, Available Online at http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/05/maintaining-the-superiority-of-americas-defense-industrial-base, Accessed 09-01-2013)
Americaand#39;s military strength remains vital to preserving the nationand#39;s interests and sustaining … Marine to remain adequately prepared for a full spectrum of potential operations.

Ninth, technological leadership is key to sustain overall U.S. leadership—theoretical models and 500 years of history.

Drezner 1 — Daniel Drezner, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, International Economist in the Office of International Banking and Securities at the Department of the Treasury, International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University, 2001 (“State Structure, Technological Leadership and The Maintenance Of Hegemony,” Review of International Studies, Volume 27, Issue 1, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Cambridge Journals Online, p. 3-5)
The importance of economic growth to state power is undisputed by international relations scholars … it cannot explain why technological hegemons lose their lead over time.

Tenth, U.S. leadership is the lynchpin of global stability — withdrawal opens a power vacuum that spurs conflict.

Goure 13 — Daniel Goure, President of The Lexington Institute—a nonprofit public-policy research organization, Adjunct Professor in Graduate Programs at the Center for Peace and Security Studies at Georgetown University, Adjunct Professor at the National Defense University, former Deputy Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has consulted for the Departments of State, Defense and Energy, has taught or lectured at the Johns Hopkins University, the Foreign Service Institute, the National War College, the Naval War College, the Air War College, and the Inter-American Defense College, holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Relations and Russian Studies from Johns Hopkins University, 2013 (“How U.S. Military Power Holds the World Together,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Centerand#39;s journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4397/us-military-power, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The Centrality of U.S. Power … serious and growing threats to security at home.

Eleventh, U.S. leadership is vital and sustainable — the right policies will prevent decline.

Lieber 13 — Robert J. Lieber, Professor of Government and International Affairs at Georgetown University, has held fellowships from the Guggenheim, Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Government at Harvard University, 2013 (“Against the Idea of American Decline,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Centerand#39;s journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4398/american-decline, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The stakes are immense, and not only for America itself … proved invaluable in the past and is likely to do so in the future.

Finally, U.S. leadership structurally decreases the risk of every proximate cause of conflict — best data.

Owen 11 — John Owen, Associate Professor in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia, Faculty Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Harvard University, 2011 (“Don’t Discount Hegemony,” Cato Unbound, February 11th, Available Online at http://www.cato-unbound.org/2011/02/11/john-owen/dont-discount-hegemony/, Accessed 04-14-2013)
Andrew Mack and his colleagues at the Human Security Report Project are to be congratulated … much more than the humbling of a superpower.

1AC — Energy Reforms

Advantage Two: Energy Reforms

First, the U.S.-Mexico High Level Economic Dialogue has established a framework for economic engagement, but further investment in border infrastructure is needed. President Nieto’s reform agenda hangs in the balance.

Wood and Wilson 13 — Duncan Wood, Director of the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, former Professor and Director of the International Relations Program at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, former Senior Associate with the Simon Chair and the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, holds a Ph.D. in Political Studies from Queen’s University (Canada), and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2013 (“For Biden, Mexico’s endless allure,” The Great Debate—a Reuters blog, September 20th, Available Online at http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2013/09/20/for-biden-mexicos-endless-allure/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Vice President Joe Biden recently canceled the Panama leg of his trip to Latin America … and U.S.-Mexico relations may have just found one.

Second, U.S. economic policy is key to the success of Nieto’s reform agenda — the plan gives Nieto a crucial policy victory to build momentum.

Farnsworth and Werz 12 — Eric Farnsworth, Vice President of the Council of the Americas and Americas Society, formerly served in the White House Office of the Special Envoy for the Americas and the U.S. Department of State, holds an M.P.A. from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and Michael Werz, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, Adjunct Professor at the BMW Center for German and European Studies at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, former Senior Transatlantic Fellow at the German Marshall Fund, holds a Ph. D. in Philosophy from Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main and an M. A. in Philosophy, Political Science, and Latin American Studies from Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main, 2012 (“The United States and Mexico: The Path Forward,” Center for American Progress, November 30th, Available Online at http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/security/news/2012/11/30/46430/the-united-states-and-mexico-the-path-forward/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
With labor reform out of the way, attention turns to the three policy fields … but it is largely focused on economic policy and immigration reform.

Third, successful reforms are key to Mexico’s economy and North American energy security — reforming PEMEX is vital.

Hill 9/12 — Patrice Hill, Chief Economic Correspondent for The Washington Times, 2013 (“Mexico could make North America the world leader in oil production,” The Washington Times, September 12th, Available Online at http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/12/mexico-could-make-north-america-the-world-leader-i/print/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Mexico is poised to join the North American oil revolution as a new government … prefer to keep foreign developers out of their country.

Fourth, Mexican economic growth is key to the U.S. economy and national security.

O’Neil 13 — Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a B.A. from Yale University, an M.A. in International Relations from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University, 2013 (“Mexico at the Crossroad,” Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead, Published by Oxford University Press, ISBN 0199898332, p. Kindle 4-7)
After nearly three transformative decades, Mexico is still in the midst of change … manpower, and the U.S. national ethos would be enormous.

Fifth, Mexican stability is key to the success of global democracy promotion — Mexico is the crucial test case.

O’Neil 13 — Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a B.A. from Yale University, an M.A. in International Relations from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University, 2013 (“Mexico at the Crossroad,” Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead, Published by Oxford University Press, ISBN 0199898332, p. Kindle 7-11)
Working with Mexico—for the good of both countries—will require not just a new set … It also encouraged (albeit unintentionally) Mexico’s democratization.

Sixth, effective democracy promotion is crucial to global stability — it solves the root cause of major impacts.

Miller 12 — Paul D. Miller, Assistant Professor in the Department of Regional and Analytical Studies at the College of International Security Affairs at the National Defense University, serves as an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, served as Director for Afghanistan on the National Security Council from 2007 to 2009, served as a political analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency specializing in South Asia, holds a Masters in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a Ph.D. in International Relations from Georgetown University, 2012 (“American Grand Strategy and the Democratic Peace,” Survival: Global Politics and Strategy, Volume 54, Issue 2, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Taylor and Francis Online)
A grand strategy that includes promoting the democratic peace has much to recommend it … address the underlying challenges to stability and democracy.

Seventh, energy security enables the U.S. to effectively prevent Iranian proliferation — cooperation with Mexico is key.

Hannah 12 — John Hannah, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, former National Security Advisor to Vice President Cheney, holds a J.D. from Yale Law School, 2012 (“Energy insecurity: How oil dependence undermines Americaand#39;s effort to stop the Iranian bomb,” Shadow Government—a Foreign Policy blog, October 12th, Available Online at http://shadow.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/10/12/energy_insecurity_how_oil_dependence_undermines_america_s_effort_to_stop_the_irania, Accessed 09-23-2013)
Concerns about oil prices have often badly distorted U.S. policy toward the Middle East … in terms of job creation and economic growth could be quite profound.

Finally, Iran proliferation risks global nuclear war.

Kroenig 12 — Matthew Kroenig, Assistant Professor of Government at Georgetown University, Stanton Nuclear Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, former special adviser in the Office of the Secretary of Defense on a Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellowship, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley, 2012 (“What Will Iran Do If It Gets a Nuclear Bomb?,” The Atlantic, February 22nd, Available Online at http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/02/what-will-iran-do-if-it-gets-a-nuclear-bomb/253430/, Accessed 09-23-2013)
A nuclear-armed Iran would pose a grave threat to international peace and security … could be decades or even longer.

Tournament: Wake Forest | Round: 2 | Opponent: St Vincent De Paul GG | Judge: David Heidt

1AC — Plan

The United States federal government should facilitate improved efficiency and reduced congestion at ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border.

1AC — U.S. Global Leadership Advantage

Advantage One: U.S. Global Leadership

First, U.S.-Mexico trade is the lynchpin of American manufacturing — it’s key to prevent outsourcing of production and jobs.

Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Working Together: An Overview of Economic Integration,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 21-24)
Trade with Mexico is vitally important to the U.S. economy … both nations to gain preferential access to world markets.

Second, strong American manufacturing is vital to economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.

Ezell 12 — Stephen Ezell, Senior Analyst with the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation—a non-partisan research and educational institute and think tank whose mission is to formulate and promote public policies to advance technological innovation and productivity, former head of the Global Service Innovation Consortium at Peer Insight—an innovation research and consulting firm, holds a B.S. from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University with an Honors Certificate from Georgetown’s Landegger International Business Diplomacy program, 2012 (“Why the United States Needs a National Manufacturing Strategy,” Innovations: Technology, Governance, Globalization, Volume 7, Number 3, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Project MUSE, p. 179-183)
A robust manufacturing sector is indispensable to the health … has introduced similar legislation (S. 751) in the Senate.25

Third, economic growth is crucial to address all global challenges — the impact is linear.

Silk 93 — Leonard Silk, Distinguished Professor of Economics at Pace University, Senior Research Fellow at the Ralph Bunche Institute on the United Nations at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, and former Economics Columnist with the New York Times, 1993 (“Dangers of Slow Growth,” Foreign Affairs, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Lexis-Nexis)
Like the Great Depression, the current economic slump … open economies and societies.

Fourth, competitiveness is necessary to prevent great power conflict.

Baru 9 — Sanjaya Baru, Visiting Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Institute of South Asian Studies (Singapore), 2009 (“Year of the power shift?,” Seminar, #593, January, Available Online at http://www.india-seminar.com/2009/593/593_sanjaya_baru.htm, Accessed 05-21-2013)
There is no doubt that economics alone will not determine the balance … the classic ‘guns vs butter’ dilemma.

Fifth, innovation is vital to maintain the defense industrial base and U.S. technological leadership.

Yudken 10 — Joel S. Yudken, Principal and Founder of High Road Strategies, LLC—a nationally known expert on industrial, energy, economic development, and technology policy issues, Sectoral Economist and Technology Policy Analyst in the Public Policy Department of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, former member of the National Research Council’s Board on Manufacturing and Engineering Design, holds an M.S. in Engineering-Economic Systems and a Ph.D. in Technology and Society from Stanford University, 2010 (“Conclusion,” Manufacturing Insecurity: Americaand#39;s Manufacturing Crisis and the Erosion of the U.S. Defense Industrial Base, Report Prepared for the Industrial Union Council of the AFL-CIO, September, Available Online at http://www.aflcio.org/content/download/3665/38375/manuffull_092010.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013)
The erosion and overseas migration of domestic manufacturing … those displaced workers, is being lost as well.

Sixth, a strong defense industrial base is necessary to deter global conflict.

Eaglen and Sayers 9 — Mackenzie Eaglen and Eric Sayers, 2009 (“Maintaining the Superiority of Americaand#39;s Defense Industrial Base,” Heritage Foundation Backgrounder #2276, May 22nd, Available Online at http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2009/05/maintaining-the-superiority-of-americas-defense-industrial-base, Accessed 09-01-2013)
Americaand#39;s military strength remains vital to preserving … prepared for a full spectrum of potential operations.

Seventh, technological leadership is key to sustain overall U.S. leadership—theoretical models and 500 years of history.

Drezner 1 — Daniel Drezner, Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, International Economist in the Office of International Banking and Securities at the Department of the Treasury, International Affairs Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University, 2001 (“State Structure, Technological Leadership and The Maintenance Of Hegemony,” Review of International Studies, Volume 27, Issue 1, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Cambridge Journals Online, p. 3-5)
The importance of economic growth to state power … it cannot explain why technological hegemons lose their lead over time. 

Eighth, U.S. leadership is the lynchpin of global stability — withdrawal opens a power vacuum that spurs conflict.

Goure 13 — Daniel Goure, President of The Lexington Institute—a nonprofit public-policy research organization, Adjunct Professor in Graduate Programs at the Center for Peace and Security Studies at Georgetown University, Adjunct Professor at the National Defense University, former Deputy Director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has consulted for the Departments of State, Defense and Energy, has taught or lectured at the Johns Hopkins University, the Foreign Service Institute, the National War College, the Naval War College, the Air War College, and the Inter-American Defense College, holds Masters and Ph.D. degrees in International Relations and Russian Studies from Johns Hopkins University, 2013 (“How U.S. Military Power Holds the World Together,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Centerand#39;s journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4397/us-military-power, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The Centrality of U.S. Power … ultimately, serious and growing threats to security at home.

Ninth, U.S. leadership is vital and sustainable — the right policies will prevent decline.

Lieber 13 — Robert J. Lieber, Professor of Government and International Affairs at Georgetown University, has held fellowships from the Guggenheim, Rockefeller and Ford Foundations, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, holds a Ph.D. from the Department of Government at Harvard University, 2013 (“Against the Idea of American Decline,” inFocus Quarterly—the Jewish Policy Centerand#39;s journal, Volume VII, Number 2, Summer, Available Online at http://www.jewishpolicycenter.org/4398/american-decline, Accessed 08-17-2013)
The stakes are immense, and not only for America itself … invaluable in the past and is likely to do so in the future.

Tenth, U.S. leadership structurally decreases the risk of every proximate cause — best data.

Owen 11 — John Owen, Associate Professor in the Department of Politics at the University of Virginia, Faculty Fellow at the University of Virginia’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, holds a Ph.D. in international relations from Harvard University, 2011 (“Don’t Discount Hegemony,” Cato Unbound, February 11th, Available Online at http://www.cato-unbound.org/2011/02/11/john-owen/dont-discount-hegemony/, Accessed 04-14-2013)
Andrew Mack and his colleagues at the Human Security Report Project … about much more than the humbling of a superpower.

Unfortunately, status quo shortfalls in border infrastructure hamper trade.

First, inefficiency and congestion at the border cause uncertainty and higher costs.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce 11 — United States Chamber of Commerce, 2011 (“Steps to a 21st Century U.S.-Mexico Border: A U.S. Chamber of Commerce Border Report,” Available Online at http://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/reports/2011_us_mexico_report.pdf, Accessed 05-21-2013, p. 18)
Rapid population growth along the border puts increased pressure … and high costs for international shippers.

Second, trade is unsustainable without improvements — rising demand.

Figueroa et al. 11 — Alejandro Figueroa, Policy and Research Analyst at the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, holds an M.B.A. from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and a B.A. in Political Science and International Studies from Arizona State University, et al., with Erik Lee, Associate Director at the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, former assistant director at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California-San Diego, holds an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California-San Diego, Rick Van Schoik, Director of the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, former Navy Seal, former managing director of the Southwest Consortium for Environmental Research and Policy, conducted post-graduate studies in philanthropy at Harvard Graduate School of Education and in sustainable development at Tufts University, holds a B.A. in oceanography and engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, 2011 (“Realizing the Full Value of Crossborder Trade with Mexico,” Report of The North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, Available Online at http://21stcenturyborder.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/realizing-the-value-of-crossborder-trade-with-mexico2.pdf, Accessed 05-21-2013, p. 16)
Total trade between the United States and Mexico has expanded … imagine what could be accomplished with a truly 21st century border.

Third, shortfalls disincentivize production sharing — devastating overall regional competitiveness.

Wilson 11 — Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2011 (“Introduction,” Working Together: Economic Ties Between The United States and Mexico, Published by the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, ISBN 1933549742, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/Working20Together20Full20Document.pdf, Accessed 09-01-2013, p. 5-8)
U.S.-Mexico economic integration boomed in the 1980s and 1990s … begins with a vision of the United States and Mexico as partners rather than competitors.

Fortunately, the plan solves by improving efficiency and reducing congestion.

 
Lee and Wilson 12 — Erik Lee, Associate Director at the North American Center for Transborder Studies at Arizona State University, former assistant director at the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California-San Diego, holds an M.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of California-San Diego, and Christopher E. Wilson, Associate at the Mexico Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, previously served as a Mexico Analyst for the U.S. Military and as a researcher at American University’s Center for North American Studies, holds an M.A. in International Affairs from American University, 2012 (“The State of Trade, Competitiveness and Economic Wellbeing in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region,” Working Paper of the Border Research Partnership—comprised of Arizona State University’s North American Center for Transborder Studies, the Colegio de la Frontera Norte, and the Woodrow Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute, June, Available Online at http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/State_of_Border_Trade_Economy_0.pdf, Accessed 05-14-2013, p. 2-3)
Commerce between the United States and Mexico is one of the … unknown and potentially dangerous individuals and shipments.

1AC — U.S.-Mexico Relations Advantage

Advantage Two: U.S.-Mexico Relations

First, bilateral border investments are crucial to improve U.S.-Mexico relations.

Baker Institute 9 — The James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University—a nonpartisan public policy think tank, 2009 (“Developing the U.S.-Mexico Border Region for a Prosperous and Secure Relationship,” Baker Institute Policy Report, Number 38, April, Available Online at http://www.bakerinstitute.org/publications/LAI-pub-BorderSecPREnglish-041509.pdf, Accessed 07-26-2013, p. 1)
The relationship between the United States and Mexico … hinder, rather than promote, common goals.

Second, U.S.-Mexico relations are vital to the success of global democracy promotion — Mexico is the crucial test case.

O’Neil 13 — Shannon K. O’Neil, Senior Fellow for Latin America Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, holds a B.A. from Yale University, an M.A. in International Relations from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University, 2013 (“Mexico at the Crossroad,” Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead, Published by Oxford University Press, ISBN 0199898332, p. Kindle 7-11)
Working with Mexico—for the good of both countries … encouraged (albeit unintentionally) Mexico’s democratization.
 

Third, effective democracy promotion is crucial to global stability — it solves the root cause of major impacts.

Miller 12 — Paul D. Miller, Assistant Professor in the Department of Regional and Analytical Studies at the College of International Security Affairs at the National Defense University, serves as an Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2002, served as Director for Afghanistan on the National Security Council from 2007 to 2009, served as a political analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency specializing in South Asia, holds a Masters in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a Ph.D. in International Relations from Georgetown University, 2012 (“American Grand Strategy and the Democratic Peace,” Survival: Global Politics and Strategy, Volume 54, Issue 2, Available Online to Subscribing Institutions via Taylor and Francis Online)
A grand strategy that includes promoting the democratic peace … underlying challenges to stability and democracy.