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Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

New Atlanticist Sep 19, 2025

Where does the US-Brazil relationship go after Bolsonaro’s conviction?

By Ricardo Sennes, Valentina Sader

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was found guilty of attempting a coup and sentenced to twenty-seven years and three months in prison.
Brazil Politics & Diplomacy
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Issue Brief Sep 19, 2025

Secure supply chains for the US run through its closest neighbors

By Jose Manuel Restrepo and Martin Cassinelli

Central America and the Dominican Republic are emerging as key partners for US economic security. Strengthening rule of law, workforce skills, and trade frameworks can secure lasting, mutually beneficial economic integration.
Americas Caribbean
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

New Atlanticist Sep 19, 2025

Five charts that show the challenge of countering Mexico’s criminal organizations

By Aaron Kolleda

Washington’s broader campaign to eliminate criminal organizations is a challenging one, since these organizations have become so deeply embedded in Mexico.
Economy & Business Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade

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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

Once a thriving democracy, Venezuela has fallen into a years-long crisis with regional and global implications. AALAC promotes a peaceful, democratic solution by engaging stakeholders and shaping incentives to move forward a democratic opening while also advancing US economic, security, and geopolitical interests.

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

In the News

Jul 6, 2016

Schechter in Cleveland Plain Dealer: What the Candidates Aren’t Telling Ohioans About the State’s Huge Economic Stake in Mexico

By Peter Schechter

Read the full article here.

Mexico

New Atlanticist

Jul 5, 2016

October Surprise? Planning for Venezuela’s Collapse

By David L. Goldwyn and Cory R. Gill

As the June 23 Brexit referendum demonstrates, governments can take irreversible, momentous, and damaging actions without anticipating the consequences. While reason suggests Venezuela should adjust its fiscal policies, ensure basic human needs, avoid sovereign default, and continue oil production for cash flow, it could easily fail to do all of the above.  The ripples of […]

Venezuela

New Atlanticist

Jul 1, 2016

Crisis in Brazil Seen as Foreign Trade Opportunity

By Meghan Rowley

Brazil’s recent political and economic instability, while bringing uncertainty to the region, is also seen as creating an opportunity for the country to refocus its development efforts internationally. “Times of crisis are times of opportunities,” Daniel Godinho, Brazil’s secretary for trade, said at the Atlantic Council in Washington on June 28. “There’s a growing consensus […]

Brazil Economy & Business

In the News

Jul 1, 2016

Marczak Quoted by Bloomberg on Trade in Latin America

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business

Bremain vs Brexit

Jul 1, 2016

Marczak Quoted by Bloomberg on Brexit’s Effects on Latin American Trade

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Event Recap

Jun 28, 2016

The Other Brazil Story: New Trade & Commercial Opportunities

By Juan Felipe Celia

Brazil currently finds itself in the midst of a deep economic and political plight, but that is not the only story. The economic downfall in the country has also meant better global trade results and a new strength to Brazilian exports, injecting new life into the private sector. On June 28, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne […]

New Atlanticist

Jun 28, 2016

NAFTA Seen Key to Preserving US-Mexico Relationship

By Mitch Hulse

It would be a disaster to cut trade relations with Mexico, three former US officials said at the Atlantic Council on June 27. Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s presumptive presidential nominee, has pledged to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which enables trade between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In a speech […]

Colombia Economy & Business

In the News

Jun 28, 2016

Marczak in The Huffington Post: Look South: The Real Mexico Story

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Mexico

In the News

Jun 28, 2016

Franco Quoted by Open Canada on Corruption in Mexico

By Arturo Franco

Read the full article here.

Mexico

Event Recap

Jun 27, 2016

Depoliticizing the US-Mexico Relationship: Why It’s Important

By Alejandra Rodriguez

“There is not a day, a rally, or an event when Mexico does not seem to come up and yet there is still an enormous amount of misinformation and a lack of understanding.” –Mary Jordan

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