Message from the Director

Fifteen years ago, the Trans-Border Institute (TBI) started as an idea that was inspired by the vision and leadership of Sister Sally Furay, then the Provost of the University of San Diego (USD). At the time, U.S.-Mexico relations were assuming greater significance through the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and amid significant increases in trans-national drug trafficking and undocumented immigration from Mexico. Since its founding, TBI has worked to address these complex issues by conducting cutting edge, policy-focused research; promoting public education and debate through distinguished guest speakers, roundtables, conferences, and public commentary on current events; and direct outreach and engagement to policy makers and stakeholders working to improve U.S.-Mexico relations and life along the border.

In the process, TBI has become one of the country’s leading centers for promoting understanding, dialogue, and cooperation across the U.S.-Mexico border. Its programs have direct and positive impacts not only for USD students, but for Mexico, U.S.-Mexico relations, and the border region. Today, TBI has the opportunity to continue its development as one of three major programs housed within the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies (along with the Institute for Peace & Justice and the Master’s Degree Program in Peace & Justice Studies).  TBI’s core commitments to promote collaboration and understanding between the United States and Mexico remain the same, and are strengthened by its integration into the School of Peace Studies.

The entire TBI team is strongly dedicated to strengthening the U.S.-Mexico relationship. Our website provides access to numerous resources that we hope will be helpful to others working on these issues, and we welcome your inquiries about TBI's work. Our work would not be possible without the generous support of private foundations like the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Tinker Foundation, and the Open Society Initiative, but I also want to encourage you to making a tax deductible contribution to support TBI's continued efforts to promote collaboration and understanding between the United States and Mexico.

Dr. David A. Shirk
Director, Trans-Border Institute
February 2012
San Diego, CA