Washington, Jan. 15 : A report prepared by the U. S. Joint Forces Command has said that Mexico and Pakistan are at risk of a "rapid and sudden collapse."

"In terms of worst-case scenarios for the Joint Force and indeed the world, two large and important states bear consideration for a rapid and sudden collapse: Pakistan and Mexico," the report says, and according to Fox News, this assessment is likely to command the attention of President-elect Barack Obama when he assumes office and prepares to tackle international challenges.

The Joint Operating Environment report, meant to examine worldwide security trends, says Pakistan, in the event of such a rapid collapse, would be susceptible to a "violent and bloody civil and sectarian war" made more dangerous by concerns over the country''s nuclear arsenal.

The report says a collapse in Mexico seems less likely, but noted that the government infrastructure is "under sustained assault and pressure" from drug cartels and gangs.

A collapse within the United States'' southern neighbor would also "demand an American response based on the serious implications for homeland security alone," it adds.

Joint Forces spokeswoman Kathleen Jabs told FOXNews. com the purpose of the assessment is not necessarily to predict future crises with 100 percent certainty, but to start a dialogue among world leaders by "looking at the trends." (ANI)