Council on Foreign Relations Latin America analyst Shannon K. O’Neil is the author of Two Nations Indivisible: Mexico, the United States, and the Road Ahead. Before giving a talk on the future of U.S.-Mexico relations, she offered up her favorite condiment, her favorite Spanish word, and her favorite taco filling in the Zócalo green room.
What’s your favorite condiment?
This sounds really cheesy because of what I study, but it’s actually salsa.
What comforts you?
My family.
What do you love to hate?
Bad journalism. When you read something and you’re like, “Are you kidding me?”
Where would you like to travel to next?
I would like to go to India, actually. I have little kids so it’s not happening any time soon, but it’s at the top of the list.
How do you relax?
I like to get outside.
What’s your favorite taco filling?
Tacos al pastor.
How are you different from who you were 10 years ago?
Oh my God, so many ways! [Laughs.] I think I’m more balanced.
Whose talent would you like to have?
Hilary Clinton’s.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Nice shoes.
What’s your favorite Spanish word or phrase?
I like the word comadre. It’s more than “friend”; it illustrates a closeness to someone. It’s like family but not family. I like that they have that in their language; you don’t really have that in English. Someone who’s so close it’s more than your friend.