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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

New Atlanticist

May 29, 2015

Making Sense of Saudi Arabia’s Leadership Transition

Saudi King Salman’s recent shakeup of key leadership positions in his kingdom will not affect oil production in the short term, though it may offer some clues about how Saudi Arabia will confront urgent issues such as rising youth unemployment and instability in the Gulf. That’s the consensus of three scholars who spoke May 29 […]

In the News

May 21, 2015

Schechter on US-Cuba Negotiations

By Peter Schechter

The Miami Herald quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter on the resuming of US-Cuba negotiations and what affect the embargo will have on those negotiations:

Cuba

In the News

May 15, 2015

Schechter on Continuing Diplomatic Talks between the United States and Cuba

By Peter Schechter

The Miami Herald quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter on President Obama’s window of opportunity to appoint a US ambassador to Cuba with limited congressional opposition:

Cuba

Transcript

May 14, 2015

Reforming the Future: Lessons from Sovereign Debt Restructuring

By Global Business and Economics

Atlantic Council Reforming the Future: Lessons from Sovereign Debt Restructuring Introductory Remarks: Andrea Montanino, Director, Global Business and Economics Atlantic Council Moderator: Sam Fleming, U.S. Economics Editor, Financial Times Speakers: Joseph E. Stiglitz, Columbia University; Nobel Prize Winner Sean Hagan, General Counsel, Director of the Legal Department, International Monetary Fund Cecilia Nahón, Ambassador of Argentina […]

Event Recap

May 14, 2015

Reforming the Future: Lessons from Sovereign Debt Restructuring

By Global Business and Economics

“Debt restructuring is like a divorce—you can make the perfect framework, but it is always messy.” Maarten Petermann of JP Morgan aptly framed the debate around the issue of sovereign debt restructuring, something which has seized headlines in the last year across Europe and Latin America. Defaults, eager and stubborn investors, and questions of sovereignty […]

New Atlanticist

May 13, 2015

As Greek Crisis Looms, Sovereign Debt Restructuring Takes Center Stage

As countries such as Argentina, Greece, and Ukraine struggle to pay down their debt, it is “clear that sovereign debt issues are important today, but they’ll be even more important tomorrow,” says the Atlantic Council’s Andrea Montanino. “The question on the minds of many is whether we will see another Greek default and what [will […]

Webcasts

May 12, 2015

Reforming the Future: Lessons from Sovereign Debt Restructuring

On Tuesday, May 12, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and the Global Business and Economics Program will host a discussion on sovereign debt, which has seized headlines across Europe and Latin America.

In the News

May 8, 2015

Marczak on China’s Influence in Latin America

By Jason Marczak

CNBC quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on Chinese investment in Argentina and Brazil:

Brazil China

Report

May 7, 2015

Harnessing social impact investing

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

The solutions for socioeconomic development are no longer only in the public sector. Latin America has changed dramatically over the last decade, and the private sector can play an increasingly important role in the region’s progress. That’s where social impact investing comes in—a way that investors can make money while doing social good. The White […]

In the News

Apr 30, 2015

Marczak on Russia and Latin America

By Jason Marczak

Fox News Latino quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on Russian relations with Latin America:

Latin America Russia
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