Jun 11, 2013, 5:22 PM ETConference Presentation, Fireside Chat

Revolution of Hope: The Life, Faith and Dreams of a Mexican President

The event was an invitation-only gathering at the Milken Institute, hosted by Chairman Mike Milken to introduce former Mexican President Vicente Fox.
Registration for the Institute's upcoming global conference officially closes the day of the event.
The dialogue focuses on the strategic, economic, and cultural partnership between the United States and Mexico, framed by Fox's transition from a Coca-Cola executive to the President of Mexico.

Population Growth: Mexico's population grew from 50 million in 1970 to 105 million today, an increase of 55 million, which outpaces the 50 million total increase of Western Europe over the same period.
Future Projections: Mexico's population is projected to peak at 135 million by 2035 before beginning to decline; doubling the population will not occur again.
Migration Impact: Over 50% of children born in California in 2000 had parents or grandparents born in Latin America; the top surnames in Los Angeles County home buyers are now Hispanic (e.g., Garcia, Hernandez, Lopez) rather than traditional Anglo names.
Economic Scale: The combined economy of the United States and Mexico ranks as the second-largest in the world.
Trade Volume: Bilateral trade under NAFTA exceeds $500 billion annually, surpassing the combined trade of all other Latin American countries.
Mexico's Reserves: Mexico doubled its foreign exchange reserves to $85 billion, achieving a reserve-to-debt ratio of 2:1 by prepaying all debt commitments for 2007–2010.
Stock Market Performance: Under Fox's presidency, the Mexican stock market increased 2.5-fold in U.S. dollars and 3.5-fold in local pesos.
Inflation Control: Inflation in Mexico was reduced from 11% to 4% during Fox's administration.
Workforce Needs: Prior to 2001, the U.S. economy required 500,000 new workers annually to sustain growth and another 500,000 to support retirement plan solvency.

2000 Election: Vicente Fox was elected in March 2000, breaking the 70-year dominance of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
Rancho San Cristobal Summit: In 2001, Fox and President Bush committed at a summit in Fox's home state to pursue comprehensive immigration reform.
Post-9/11 Shift: Following the September 11 attacks, the immigration reform proposal presented to Congress was effectively frozen as the U.S. priority shifted to counter-terrorism.
Iraq War Stance: Fox and Mexico declined to join the U.S. invasion of Iraq, choosing instead to uphold multilateral strategies and UN mandates.
Drug War Strategy: Fox criticizes the "force vs. force" strategy currently employed by President Felipe Calderón against cartels, citing precedents where similar heavy-handed approaches led to low approval ratings.
Central Fox Initiative: Fox established the Vicente Fox Center as a think tank rather than a traditional museum, focusing on four pillars: democracy/freedom, market economy with responsibility, social policies (education/health), and gender equity.
Constitutional Reform: Fox led the effort to change Article 82 of the Mexican Constitution to allow him to run for president despite being born to a Spanish mother, a rule that previously barred children of foreign-born parents.

Immigration Philosophy: Fox advocates for "building bridges instead of walls," arguing that isolationist policies are counterproductive and that migrants contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.
Economic Crisis Response: Fox expresses skepticism regarding U.S. "counter-cycle" stimulus strategies that increase deficits without prior reserve accumulation, warning of future inflation or interest rate spikes.
Leadership Style: Fox contrasts the "Machiavellian" approach of imposing fear (citing Bush and Uribe) with a "sanctified" approach of gaining respect through love and dialogue.
NAFTA Sentiment: Fox urges the U.S. to deepen and enrich NAFTA, drawing parallels to the European Union's model of solidarity and integration to counterbalance rising Asian powers.
Drug Consumption: Fox notes that increased security on the border has shifted drug consumption and cartel violence within Mexico, making the country a major drug market itself.

Global Economic Ranking: Citing Goldman Sachs, Fox predicts that by 2040, the U.S. will drop to second place globally, with China first, India third, and Mexico rising to fifth.
Financial Prudence: Fox predicts that global consumption habits must shift toward saving and prudence to "digest" the excesses of the past decade before a future economic "banquet."
Cartel Resolution: Fox predicts the Mexican government will eventually win the war on cartels but warns the cost in time and violence remains a significant variable.
Latin American Leadership: Fox identifies Mexico, Brazil, and Chile as the key drivers for Latin America's success in the 21st century, aiming to reverse the region's authoritarian history.
Central Fox Activities: Upcoming events for the Vicente Fox Center include galas featuring art auctions, indigenous cultural performances (Guelaguetza), and culinary exhibitions from Oaxaca.

Environmental Leadership: Fox advises the U.S. to adopt a compassionate, listening leadership style that respects global institutions rather than relying on military power.
Security Concerns: Fox argues that the perception of danger in Mexico is exacerbated by media bias (e.g., Lou Dobbs) and warns that drug prohibition policies historically fuel violence.
Crisis Leadership: Fox recounts that his grandfather immigrated to Mexico from Cincinnati with no money, using the "American Dream" framework to build a life in Guanajuato.
Personal History: Fox details his career path from truck driver to Coca-Cola executive and finally President, noting that 18 former Coca-Cola executives have become heads of state, primarily in Africa.
Advice on Courage: Fox asserts that "heroic aspirations" act as hooks to drive action and that leaders must set new objectives before completing current ones to avoid complacency.