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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 8, 2015

Marczak on the Economic Crisis in Venezuela

By Jason Marczak

The Associated Press quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the economic crisis in Venezuela and Obama’s meeting with Caribbean leaders:

Venezuela

Article

Apr 7, 2015

Spotlight: Summit of the Americas

By Rachel DeLevie-Orey and Thomas Corrigan

In this month’s Spotlight, we ask: What will be the top headlines at the VII Summit of the Americas? The Summit of the Americas on April 10-11 is generating an unprecedented amount of attention, thanks in large part to the dramatic changes in the US-Cuba relationship. Though historic, the novelty of seeing Cuban President Raúl […]

Cuba Venezuela

In the News

Apr 7, 2015

My San Antonio Covers Atlantic Council Event on Mexico’s Energy Reform

By Atlantic Council

My San Antonio covers an Atlantic Council event hosted by the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center on Mexico’s energy reform:

In the News

Apr 7, 2015

Marczak on Obama and the Summit of the Americas

By Jason Marczak

US News and World Report quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on President Obama’s participation in the Summit of the Americas in Panama:

Webcasts

Apr 7, 2015

Mexico’s Energy Reform: Is it Still on Track?

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Join us on April 7, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a conversation with top officials implementing mexico’s energy reform. They will chart the progress made to date in implementing the reforms, offer a real-time update on the regulatory infrastructure, and explain the regulations to provide for energy sector transparency. 

In the News

Apr 6, 2015

DeLevie-Orey on Castro’s Recent Public Appearance

By Rachel DeLevie-Orey

Foreign Policy quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Assistant Director Rachel DeLevie-Orey on Fidel Castro’s recent public appearance and the opening of relations between the United States and Cuba:

Cuba

In the News

Apr 4, 2015

Marczak on Obama and Castro’s Potential Encounter

By Jason Marczak

The Miami Herald quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the interaction between President Obama and Cuban leader Raúl Castro anticipated to happen at the upcoming Summit of the Americas in Panama:

Cuba

In the News

Apr 1, 2015

Latin Trade Highlights the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

By Atlantic Council

Latin Trade highlights the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, interviewing Founder of the Center Adrienne Arsht and its first Director Peter Schechter: Read the full article here.

New Atlanticist

Mar 26, 2015

Brazil’s Political Crisis and the Dilma Factor

By Ricardo Sennes

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff is struggling with a loss of popularity and an inability to pass reforms that are critical to addressing the enormous economic challenges facing Brazil. The current political crisis is being driven by four key factors. The first is widespread discontent with the impunity and corruption of government officials, most notably those […]

Brazil

In the News

Mar 25, 2015

Marczak on Russia’s Latin America Presence

By Jason Marczak

Fox News Latino quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on how Russia’s growing presence in Latin America is causing concern among the United States and its allies:

Latin America Russia
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