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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

In the News

Oct 11, 2015

Marczak: TPP and What it Means for the Role of China in Latin America

By Jason Marczak

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak writes for Excelsior on how the recently negotiated Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will affect China’s growing role in Latin America: Read the full article here.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Oct 9, 2015

Redefining the Vote in the Digital Age

By Alejandro Alvarez

Though the digital era presents an opportunity to revolutionize the electoral process, it also brings with it an array of challenges for traditional democracy, discussed on an Oct. 9 Atlantic Council conference on the future role of technology in elections. “As technology spreads to various aspects of our lives, the role it plays in elections […]

Webcasts

Oct 9, 2015

Democracy Rebooted: The Future of Technology in Elections

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Please join the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center on Friday, October 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Atlantic Council headquarters at 1030 15th St NW Washington, DC for a discussion on the future of technology in elections. Keynote Address: Secretary Madeleine Albright

In the News

Oct 8, 2015

Goldwyn: The Misguided Efforts of American Energy Companies

By David Goldwyn

Chairman of the Atlantic Council’s Energy Advisory Group and Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Nonresident Senior Fellow David Goldwyn writes for the New York Times on the future priorities of America’s energy companies:

Energy & Environment United States and Canada

In the News

Oct 5, 2015

Marczak on Opening Trade with Cuba

By Jason Marczak

Bloomberg BNA quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the obstacles and process of opening trade with Cuba:

Cuba

Event Recap

Oct 5, 2015

Sizing up Colombia’s Transformations Ahead of Regional Elections

By Oriana Piña

Just days after the Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced a dramatic breakthrough in the country’s Peace Process, The Adrienne Arhst Latin American Center hosted an event featuring an expert panel to discuss the future of Colombia. Ending the 50 year conflict between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) is met […]

In the News

Oct 5, 2015

Schechter on China’s Role in Latin America

By Peter Schechter

Forbes interviews Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter on the increasing strength of economic ties between China and Latin America:

China Latin America

New Atlanticist

Oct 5, 2015

TPP: Putting the United States in the Driver’s Seat

By Ashish Kumar Sen

The Atlantic Council’s Andrea Montanino and Jason Marczak discuss the importance of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement The United States and eleven other Pacific Rim countries on October 5 reached an agreement on the largest-ever regional trade accord in history. US President Barack Obama said the deal, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), “reflects America’s values […]

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs
BidenGCAFeature

New Atlanticist

Oct 2, 2015

Biden: Colombian President Santos a ‘Man of Peace’

Remarks* by Vice President Joe Biden at the Atlantic Council Global Citizen Awards Ceremony, October 1, 2015 The American Museum of Natural History New York, New York      THE VICE PRESIDENT:  If you applaud much more, that whale is going to fall out of the sky.  (Laughter.)       Thank you for that gracious introduction.  I’m […]

Colombia

In the News

Oct 1, 2015

Marczak: For China in Latin America, a Crossroads

By Jason Marczak

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak writes for US News and World Report on China’s expanding power and influence in Latin America:

China Latin America
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