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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

Dec 17, 2014

President Obama Announces New Cuba Policy

Quick Takes from Atlantic Council Experts President Barack Obama today announced a historic policy change that opens up diplomatic relations, facilitates trade, and expands travel to Cuba.     Immediately after the White House announcement, Atlantic Council experts provided the following analysis.

Cuba

In the News

Dec 17, 2014

Schechter: “[This] Is the Beginning of the End of US Sanction on Cuba”

By Peter Schechter

The Guardian quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter on the announcement that the United States and Cuba will renew diplomatic relations:

Cuba

In the News

Dec 17, 2014

The Atlantic Cites Latin America Center Cuba Report

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic cites an Atlantic Council Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center report on Cuba, US-Cuba: A New Public Survey Supports Policy Change: 

Cuba

In the News

Dec 17, 2014

Schechter on Renewed US-Cuba Relationship

By Peter Schechter

The Financial Times quotes Adrienne Arsht Center Director Peter Schechter on restoration of the US-Cuba relationship:

Article

Dec 17, 2014

Statement from Frederick Kempe, President and CEO of the Atlantic Council, on New US Policy Toward Cuba

By Atlantic Council

President Barack Obama’s executive order today dramatically alters Cuba policy in a manner likely to advance individual freedom and democratic change. In taking steps to pursue direct engagement with a country just 90 miles off our coast, the president’s actions will open access to information, increase exchanges, boost private enterprise, and accelerate democracy. Once walls […]

Article

Dec 17, 2014

Statement from Peter Schechter, Director Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, on New US Policy Toward Cuba

By Atlantic Council

In the last month, President Obama has used executive orders to address the two largest structural impediments to better US relations with Latin America; immigration, and Cuba. We commend his leadership on both counts. Today, nearly 55 years of ineffective Cuba sanctions policy has come to an end.

Article

Dec 17, 2014

Statement from Jason Marczak, Deputy Director Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, on New US Policy Toward Cuba

By Atlantic Council

The actions taken by President Obama today are the effective end of a policy that for nearly 55 years has failed to produce real, democratic change in Cuba. The embargo now exists in name only. The freeing of Alan Gross and an unnamed US intelligence asset has opened the door for relaxing restrictions on banking, […]

In the News

Dec 17, 2014

United States Opens Up Diplomacy, Travel and Trade with Cuba

By Atlantic Council

Today, President Obama announced a historic policy change that opens up diplomatic relations, facilitates trade and expands travel to Cuba. Read the full White House fact sheet: 

News

Dec 17, 2014

Marczak in El Mundo

By Jason Marczak

Spanish language El Mundo quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on renewed diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba:

Cuba

New Atlanticist

Dec 16, 2014

Education Policy Opportunity Missed at the Ibero-American Summit

By Gabriel Sánchez Zinny

The 24th Ibero-American Summit, which sought to put the focus on education in the context of slow economic growth, did not produce a specific proposal to address the challenges of developing human capital.

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