Featured Content

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

Stay Updated


To stay up to date on our insight, analysis, and events covering pressing political, economic, and strategic issues across the region, sign up below.

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!

watch more

Stay connected

Content

In the News

Oct 16, 2014

Marczak on Venezuela at UN: “It Will Play into the Hands of the Russians”

By Jason Marczak

Fox News Latino quotes Adrienne Arsht Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on Venezuela securing a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council:

Venezuela

In the News

Oct 16, 2014

Marczak on Venezuela’s Bid to Join UN Security Council

By Jason Marczak

US News and World Report quotes Adrienne Arsht Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on Venezuela winning a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council:

Venezuela

In the News

Oct 16, 2014

Marczak on Runoff Presidential Elections in Brazil

By Jason Marczak

The Los Angeles Times quotes Adrienne Arsht Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on Brazil’s upcoming presidential runoff elections:

Brazil

Event Recap

Oct 10, 2014

Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes Calls for Renewed Focus on Urban Innovation at Atlantic Council Breakfast

By Atlantic Council

Event during TEDGlobal highlights Paes’ innovative approach to governance and his effective leadership of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes laid out his plans to bring investment to Rio, prepare the city for the 2016 Summer Olympics, and tackle climate change at a private high-level breakfast hosted by the […]

In the News

Oct 9, 2014

Alhonte on Brazilian Elections

By Natalie Alhonte

Adrienne Arsht Center Associate Director Natalie Alhonte joins Caracol TV to discuss elections in Brazil: 

Brazil

Event Recap

Oct 6, 2014

What Happened Yesterday in Brazil?

By Atlantic Council

Election 2014: The Road to the Runoff The first round of the Brazil’s presidential election turned into a rollercoaster of an election: its ups and downs yielded an unexpected second round scenario. The consolidation of a third player the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB), following the death of Eduardo Campos, threatened to break the regular bipartisan […]

Article

Sep 30, 2014

Spotlight Brazil Elections

By Ricardo Sennes

How will the Brazilian presidential election unfold? Brazilians go to the polls on October 5 in the first round of voting for presidential, congressional, and state elections. If no presidential candidate secures 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election will be held on October 26. The upcoming elections are likely to bring major changes […]

Latin America

In the News

Sep 29, 2014

Marczak on Venezuela Joining the UN Security Council

By Jason Marczak

Fox News Latino quotes Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the possibility of Venezuela gaining a nonpermanent spot on the UN Security Council:

Venezuela

Event Recap

Sep 23, 2014

Latin America is Ripe for Social Impact Investment

By Atlantic Council

Latin America is ripe for impact investment, according to two social impact investment experts who spoke at the Atlantic Council on September 10. The poverty rate has dropped from 42 percent in 2000 to 25 percent in 2012. Four hundred million people have risen from the base of the economic pyramid in recent years. This […]

LatAmSource

Sep 22, 2014

Mexican President Peña Nieto Receives Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award

By The Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council awarded Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and other honorees its Global Citizen Award on Sunday, September 21, 2014, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. It was the first time that a Latin American president received the award. “Our honorees embody in dynamic and diverse ways what it […]

Mexico
Load More