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Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations while demonstrating the significance of Latin America and the Caribbean in a rapidly changing world.

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Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Aug 12, 2026

A deadly earthquake gives Colombia’s new president his first test

By Jason Marczak

After the earthquake, de la Espriella must demonstrate firm leadership and his commitment to making the state work in the regions.
Colombia Elections
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Aug 7, 2026

Abelardo de la Espriella takes office in Colombia with a head start in Washington

By Jason Marczak

The new Colombian president and his US counterpart should seize the opportunity to reset the long-term bilateral relationship.
Colombia Economy & Business
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Aug 4, 2026

Three charts on how Latin American central banks are diverging on inflation

By Enrique Millán-Mejía and Raúl González-Pietrogiovanna

Governments that cannot raise more revenue and will not trim commitments end up borrowing, and the pressure lands back on their central banks.
Americas Economy & Business

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Geographic priorities

Argentina

Argentina plays a key role in the economic landscape of the Americas, with strong potential for deeper integration with the United States. AALAC promotes policies that support Argentina’s fiscal resilience and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.

Brazil

As Latin America’s largest economy, Brazil is central to regional economic stability and geopolitics. AALAC advances a forward-looking US-Brazil agenda by fostering strategic dialogue and promoting sustainable, innovation-driven cooperation across trade, energy, and agriculture.

Caribbean

The Caribbean is among the world’s most vulnerable regions, exposed to climate-induced disasters, economic shocks, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The Caribbean Initiative raises awareness about regional priorities and deepens US and global engagement across issues such as energy security, financial inclusion, and economic competitiveness.

Central America

A secure and prosperous Central America is vital to US national and economic interests. AALAC advances strategic engagement that strengthens supply chains, attracts investment, and supports democratic governance as pillars for long-term regional prosperity.

Colombia

Colombia and the United States share a longstanding partnership rooted in security, development, and commercial ties. AALAC advances understanding of issues critical to US interests and works to ensure that Colombia can serve as a vital US ally in South America for decades to come.

Mexico

As the United States’ top trading partner, Mexico plays a notable role in advancing investment and cross-border commerce. AALAC supports engagement to strengthen commercial ties, address shared security challenges, and align opportunities to incentivize productive investment.

Venezuela

Following the US removal of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela stands at a pivotal moment after years of economic mismanagement, cronyism, and democratic erosion. AALAC is seizing this moment to usher in a Venezuela where people overcome economic paralysis, live without fear of the state, and freely choose their leaders.

THEMATIC AREAS IN FOCUS

China-Latin America

China is a growing trade partner and source of financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. AALAC, alongside the Global China Hub, provides nuanced, up-to-date understanding of the trajectory and risks of an evolving relationship with China.

Economic development in Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America is a key market for US goods and investment. The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center works to deepen commercial ties, increase investment, and support economic security by highlighting the importance of the region’s economies in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Technology and digital security in Latin America and the Caribbean

As digital security threats grow—and as Latin America and the Caribbean’s tech and telecommunications sectors drive more innovation and investment—the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, alongside the Atlantic Council Technology Programs, strengthens regional resilience and spotlights the region’s potential to build a more secure digital future.

Security and transnational criminal organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean

Transnational criminal organizations, which rake in billions in revenue annually, pose severe threats to economic and democratic stability. The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center analyzes the growth of these security threats through cutting-edge analysis and comprehensive policy frameworks designed to undercut the sophisticated business operations of these groups.

Experts of the Americas Series

Our Experts of the Americas video series brings together thought leaders from countries and industries across the region for in-depth conversations on the most pressing issues. Stay tuned for the next episode!

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Content

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2017

The End of Corruption Culture in Latin America?

By Roberta Braga

Accountability in the region creates space for safer investments Odebrecht was once synonymous with Latin America’s most ambitious public works projects. Today, those who hear the name think only of the web of malfeasance that has engulfed the region and continues to extend beyond the continent. But, as negative as these new revelations may seem, […]

Brazil Central America

Event Recap

Apr 5, 2017

Xi & Trump at Mar-a-Lago: US-China Relations and the Impact on Latin America

By Mario Zampaglione

In early April, President Xi Jinping sat down with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago in what was a highly anticipated event between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies. Coming off a campaign in which then-candidate Trump criticized China, the first meeting between the two was intended to focus primarily on the uneven trade relations […]

China

Transcript

Apr 5, 2017

Xi & Trump at Mar-a-Lago: US-China Relations and the Impact on Latin America

TRANSCRIPT: Conference Call Xi & Trump at Mar-a-Lago: US-China Relations and the Impact on Latin America Wednesday, April 5, 2017 2:00 to 2:45 p.m EDT

New Atlanticist

Mar 17, 2017

‘Mexico Has Options’

Energy sector reform will continue with or without the United States, said former Mexican official Though recent political tensions threaten the stability of US-Mexico relations, Mexico’s ongoing energy sector reform will continue without US partnership, if necessary, according to Mexico’s former deputy secretary of energy. “Mexico’s energy reform does not depend on the United States,” […]

Energy & Environment Mexico

In the News

Mar 10, 2017

Miner in MarketWatch: Under Trump, the United States Will Suffer from Worse Trade Deals

By Sean Miner

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Mar 7, 2017

Trump’s ‘Rhetoric of Hate’ May Sway Mexico’s Elections

Mexican presidential candidate sees risk of an anti-American Mexican leader The “rhetoric of hate” that has dominated US President Donald J. Trump’s approach to Mexico could impact the outcome of Mexico’s presidential elections in 2018 and determine the future of the US-Mexican partnership, Margarita Zavala, a candidate for the Mexican presidency, said at the Atlantic […]

Mexico

New Atlanticist

Mar 7, 2017

Women’s Ascension in Latin America

By Capricia Penavic Marshall

When former US secretary of state and then-presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the Atlantic Council in November 2015, she spoke of Latin America’s strides to achieve gender equity at the highest levels. “It may be predictable for me to say this, but there’s a lot we can learn from Latin America’s success at electing […]

Latin America Women

Event Recap

Mar 7, 2017

Trade, security, and prosperity: Perspectives from Mexico’s Margarita Zavala and US Secretary Michael Chertoff

By Carmin Chappel

The new administration has brought with it a plethora of tensions for the United States’ relationship with Mexico. From a proposed border wall, to talks of withdrawing from NAFTA, to a scrapped meeting between the two presidents, what was historically a diplomatic partnership has been turned on its head. On Tuesday, March 7, the Adrienne […]

Economy & Business Mexico

Report

Mar 6, 2017

Beyond the headlines: a strategy for US engagement with Latin America in the Trump era

By Peter Schechter and Jason Marczak with Rachel DeLevie-Orey

As the new administration considers ways to ensure US national security and economic growth, a newly engaged Latin America presents a wealth of opportunity on myriad fronts: urbanization, human capital, open markets, energy reform, technology, and the fight against corruption.

Economy & Business Latin America

In the News

Mar 1, 2017

Castelló-Catchot Joins Bloomberg to Discuss US Budget, Congress, and President Trump

By Carles Castelló-Catchot

Watch full interview here.

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