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Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

New Atlanticist Sep 10, 2025

Why the Pentagon had been reluctant to combat narco-trafficking in the Western Hemisphere

By Kevin Whitaker

The recent US strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel is a reminder that the US military had for years resisted getting more deeply involved in counternarcotics.
Latin America Maritime Security
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

New Atlanticist Sep 10, 2025

What to know about Trump’s war on drug trafficking from Venezuela

By Atlantic Council experts

The recent US strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat is best understood in the context of the Trump administration’s policies toward Venezuela and the wider Western Hemisphere.
Caribbean Latin America
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

New Atlanticist Sep 8, 2025

What Guyanese President Irfaan Ali is likely to focus on in his second term

By Wazim Mowla

As Guyana’s economy continues its mind-boggling growth, the president has secured a second term on the promise to “build more prosperity in every family and every home.”
Elections Inclusive Growth

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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

Event Recap

Dec 10, 2015

Latin America and the Caribbean 2030: Scenarios for the Future

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

On December 10, the Atlantic Council – in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) – hosted the first regional roundtable on “Latin America and the Caribbean 2030: Scenarios for the Future” in Lima, Peru. Led by Jason Marczak, Deputy Director of the Latin America Center, and Peter Engelke, Senior Fellow at the Strategic Foresight […]

In the News

Dec 9, 2015

Schechter: Risky Vacancy in Mexico City

By Peter Schechter

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter writes for The Hill on the pressing need for a US ambassador in Mexico:

Mexico

New Atlanticist

Dec 8, 2015

Election Victory? Check. Now Can the Opposition in Venezuela Stay United?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Opposition must set aside differences and focus on people’s interests, says Atlantic Council’s Peter Schechter Venezuela’s opposition has won an absolute majority in Congress that gives it the ability to initiate a recall referendum against President Nicolás Maduro, but it must instead focus on staying united and showing that it has the people’s interests as […]

Venezuela

In the News

Dec 7, 2015

Marczak: After Tackling Goliath Rival, Venezuelan Opposition Must Coalesce

By Jason Marczak

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak writes for Fox News Latino on the Venezuelan opposition’s resounding victory in Sunday’s election:

Venezuela

New Atlanticist

Dec 7, 2015

In Venezuela, Maduro’s Fate Hangs in the Balance

By Ashish Kumar Sen

As opposition scores big electoral victory, President will face challenges from his own party, says Atlantic Council’s Jason Marczak The opposition’s historic victory in legislative elections on Dec. 6 has created a two-front challenge for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro — one from an opposition that could try to have him recalled, and the other from […]

Venezuela

Webcasts

Dec 4, 2015

Innovators in Mexico: Mapping the Journey to Success

Join the Atlantic Council on December 4th at 1:00 PM for a Google Hangout with leading Mexican innovators – Pablo Salazar of NXTP Labs, Hugo Moreno of Ver de Verdad and Marcus Dantus of Startup Mexico. The lessons learned will be shared in a publication to be launched at a conference in Mexico City in April […]

New Atlanticist

Dec 3, 2015

Putting Brazil on US Department of Labor Blacklist ‘Unfair’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Brazilian textile association official says action on forced labor may hurt exports The US Department of Labor’s decision to place Brazil on a list of countries where forced and child labor are practiced is “unfair” and could have an adverse impact on the South American nation’s exports, said an official with Brazil’s textile association. Brazil’s […]

Brazil Economy & Business

In the News

Dec 2, 2015

Marczak on Post-Election Tension in Argentina

By Jason Marczak

Fox News Latino quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the tension between outgoing President of Argentina Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and President-elect Mauricio Macri:

Latin America

Event Recap

Dec 2, 2015

Politics, Government, and Women in Latin America: Better Than You Think?

By Roberta Braga

At a time when women’s participation in government is increasing throughout Latin America, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton joined the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and fellow influencers in the region for the launch of the Women’s Leadership in Latin America Initiative. Led by Ambassador-in-Residence Capricia Penavic Marshall, the event featured […]

In the News

Dec 1, 2015

Silva: Sustain Colombia’s Miracle

By Miguel Silva

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Nonresident Senior Colombia Fellow Miguel Silva writes for US News and World Report on the upcoming elections in Colombia:

Colombia
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