No strategic arena is so readily ignored or, arguably, as little understood by the U.S. government as Latin America. Yet, no state is more vital to our security, economy and contemporary society than Mexico, while the combined populations of only two Latin American countries, Brazil and Mexico, exceed by 10 million the number of U.S. citizens and residents. Geographically, Brazil is nearly the size of the United States, Mexico is three times larger than Texas, and Argentina, with its 40 million citizens, is one-third the size of the lower 48. With growing markets, rising per capita incomes and ever-sturdier democracies, such states are natural partners for Washington. Yet, even Africa (certainly deserving of attention) enjoys richer coverage in our media and more enthusiastic government engagement.

http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2007/03/2539173