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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

Dec 6, 2014

Economist Cites Latin America Center Report

By Atlantic Council

The Economist cites a report by the Atlantic Council’s Latin America Center, “Cuba: A New Public Survey Supports Policy Change“:

Cuba

In the News

Dec 4, 2014

Marczak on Economic Reform in Mexico

By Jason Marczak

Fox News Latino quotes Adrienne Arsht Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on economic reforms in Mexico:

Mexico

In the News

Nov 30, 2014

Marczak on Presidential Elections in Uruguay

By Jason Marczak

Adrienne Arsht Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak joins CCTV to discuss presidential elections in Uruguay:

In the News

Nov 24, 2014

Marczak on the Petrobras Scandal

By Jason Marczak

The Financial Times quotes Adrienne Arsht Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the Petrobras corruption scandal in Brazil:

Brazil

In the News

Nov 22, 2014

Marczak: Obama’s Temporary Immigration Fix Still Demands a Permanent Solution

By Jason Marczak

Adrienne Arsht Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak writes for the Huffington Post on President Obama’s temporary solution to our permanent broken immigrant system: 

New Atlanticist

Nov 21, 2014

Obama’s Temporary Immigration Fix Still Demands a Permanent Solution

By Jason Marczak

Future of US Economy Depends on Getting Immigration Right After months – and even years – of anticipation, President Barack Obama has provided an imperfect solution for nearly half the country’s unauthorized immigrants. The bold decision to wield his executive authority will extend legal status to up to 5 million unauthorized immigrants; make it easier […]

Latin America

Event Recap

Nov 14, 2014

Mexico’s Energy Reform: Tracking Progress

By Atlantic Council

Following the passage of secondary legislation in August 2014, Mexico’s energy industry is set for profound transformation. As leaders across the public and private sectors face a new era in the country’s energy matrix, policymakers across the region are looking to the Mexican experience as an example for both energy reform and an opportunity for […]

Energy & Environment Mexico

Event Recap

Nov 13, 2014

Re-envisioning the Future: A Discussion with Central American Foreign Ministers

By Atlantic Council

“It is much cheaper to supply aid to the region than to put all those soldiers on the border,” began Foreign Minister Carlos Morales of Guatemala. This was the beginning of a conversation hosted by the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center on Thursday, November 13th with Foreign Minister Hugo Martinez of El Salvador and Foreign […]

Webcasts

Nov 13, 2014

Re-envisioning the Future: A Discussion with Central American Foreign Ministers

By Atlantic Council

Please join us on November 13, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a discussion with the foreign ministers of El Salvador and Guatemala in advance of a historic presidential meeting at the Inter-American Development Bank where they will preview joint solutions to longstanding challenges.

New Atlanticist

Nov 12, 2014

Central American Presidents’ Visit to Washington Marks a Turning Point in Relations

By Jason Marczak

More than 63,000 unaccompanied children from Central America have crossed the southern US border without authorization in just the last year. A spike in arrivals over the summer led to national outrage over their situation, prompting President Barack Obama to propose a $3.7 trillion supplemental appropriation request in early July. Four months later, this request […]

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