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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

Apr 28, 2015

Marczak: After Kirchner: Will Argentina Seize Chance to Correct Course?

By Jason Marczak

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak writes for World Politics Review on what lies ahead for the next president of Argentina:

Latin America

In the News

Apr 28, 2015

Marczak on Venezuela’s Health Crisis

By Jason Marczak

The Boston Globe Editorial Board quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on how the United States should respond to Venezuela’s growing health crisis:

Venezuela

In the News

Apr 26, 2015

Schechter On Trade Implications of Renewed Cuba Relations

By Peter Schechter

The Miami Herald quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter on questions of lifting the Cuban embargo as negotiations progress on renewing diplomatic relations with Cuba: 

Cuba

In the News

Apr 22, 2015

Schechter and Pavel: Outdated Terror List

By Schechter and Pavel

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter and VP and Brent Scowcroft Center Director Barry Pavel write for The Hill on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List and why it needs to be revised to incorporate nonstate actors:

In the News

Apr 19, 2015

Alhonte on the Petrobras Scandal

By Natalie Alhonte

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Associate Director Natalie Alhonte joins CCTV America to discuss the implications of the Petrobras scandal in Brazil:

Brazil

In the News

Apr 17, 2015

Marczak: It’s Not All About Cuba

By Jason Marczak

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak cowrites for US News and World Report on the importance of the Northern Triangle countries to the Summit of the Americas:

In the News

Apr 15, 2015

Marczak on the Political Implications of Brazil’s Petrobras Scandal

By Jason Marczak

The Los Angeles Times quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the political implications of Brazil’s Petrobras corruption scandal and what it means for President Dilma Rousseff moving forward:

Brazil

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2015

US-Cuba Forecast: Sunny?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Cuba’s removal from terrorism list opens the door to full diplomatic relations says Atlantic Council’s Schechter US President Barack Obama’s decision to take Cuba off the list of state sponsors of terrorism is a long-awaited move that “opens the door” to the re-establishment of relations with Cuba, said Peter Schechter, the Atlantic Council’s lead Latin […]

Cuba

In the News

Apr 14, 2015

Marczak on Brazil Protests Against President Rouseff

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak joins CCTV America to discuss Brazilian President Dilma Roussef’s attempts to respond to anticorruption protests calling for her impeachment:

Brazil

In the News

Apr 14, 2015

Marczak on the Financial Implications of Removing Cuba from State Terror Sponsors

McClatchy DC quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the financial opportunities of removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism:

Cuba
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