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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

Feb 6, 2015

Politico Quotes Valdés from Atlantic Council Event

By Atlantic Council

Politico quotes Ambassador of Chile to the United States Juan Gabriel Valdés on the Trans-Pacific Partnership from Atlantic Council event:

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

New Atlanticist

Feb 6, 2015

Obama ‘All In’ on Pushing Trade Promotion Authority

By Ashish Kumar Sen

‘We are nearing the end game,’ says US official The passage of trade promotion authority legislation in the US Congress is critical for the administration to bring the best trade deals to Congress, a senior US official said on February 5. US President Barack Obama has taken the lead in an effort to promote his […]

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

In the News

Feb 5, 2015

Reuters Covers Atlantic Council Event

Reuters quotes Commerce Under Secretary Stefan Selig from Atlantic Council event about the 2015 trade agenda and the Trans-Pacific Partnership:

Economy & Business Trade and tariffs

Webcasts

Feb 5, 2015

The 2015 Trade Agenda and the Trans-Pacific Partnership

On February 5, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and Global Business and Economics Program, in partnership with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, hosted a discussion on the possibilities of advancing global commerce negotiations this year, particularly the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

In the News

Feb 4, 2015

Marczak: “The Kirchner Government Must Come Clean on its Role in Nisman’s Death”

By Jason Marczak

The Financial Times quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the role of the Kirchner government in the death of Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman:

Latin America

In the News

Feb 4, 2015

Marczak on the Recent Developments in the Death of Argentine Prosecutor Nisman

By Jason Marczak

Fox News Latino quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the recent developments surrounding the death of Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman and what this means for Argentine President Cristina Fernández:

Latin America

In the News

Feb 4, 2015

Schechter on Finding a New Leader for Petrobras

By Peter Schechter

The Financial Times quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter on the largest corruption scandal in Brazilian history and what Brazil’s Petrobras needs in its new leadership: 

Brazil

Event Recap

Feb 2, 2015

Advancing the US-Brazil Agenda for 2015 and Beyond

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Immediately following her second-term inauguration, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff announced plans to schedule the first state visit to the United States in two decades. Does her second term mark a potential turning point for US-Brazil relations? What concrete steps can be taken to enhance cooperation in commerce, energy, agriculture, tourism, aerospace/high technology, and other issues?

In the News

Jan 29, 2015

DeLevie-Orey on Legislation to Lift the Cuban Embargo

By Rachel DeLevie-Orey

The LA Times quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Assistant Director Rachel DeLevie-Orey on a bipartisan group of senators introducing legislation that would do away entirely with limits on travel to Cuba:

Cuba

Press Release

Jan 29, 2015

Latin America Center Experts Comment on Lifting Cuba Travel Ban

This morning, a bipartisan group of eight senators introduced a bill that would lift the US ban on travel to Cuba. The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center experts are closely monitoring this story. Their reactions: 

Cuba
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