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Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations while demonstrating the significance of Latin America and the Caribbean in a rapidly changing world.

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Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Issue Brief Aug 20, 2026

A Colombia-Venezuela agenda for recovery, security, and economic growth

By the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

The recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia have created urgent humanitarian needs that will require sustained international support. As recovery advances, the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition outlines how both countries, with US support, can build a cooperation agenda.
Colombia Economy & Business
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Aug 12, 2026

A deadly earthquake gives Colombia’s new president his first test

By Jason Marczak

After the earthquake, de la Espriella must demonstrate firm leadership and his commitment to making the state work in the regions.
Colombia Elections
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Aug 7, 2026

Abelardo de la Espriella takes office in Colombia with a head start in Washington

By Jason Marczak

The new Colombian president and his US counterpart should seize the opportunity to reset the long-term bilateral relationship.
Colombia Economy & Business

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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

Following the US removal of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela stands at a pivotal moment after years of economic mismanagement, cronyism, and democratic erosion. AALAC is seizing this moment to usher in a Venezuela where people overcome economic paralysis, live without fear of the state, and freely choose their leaders.

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

Report

Aug 25, 2014

New Atlantic Council Report on Mexico’s Energy Reform: Mexico “Ready to Launch” Predicts Large Foreign Investment and Boost in Manufacturing from Cheaper Electricity

By The Atlantic Council

A report by the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center argues that Mexico’s recently enacted energy reform will “transform Mexico into a major energy and industrial power.” Co-authored by the Arsht Center’s Senior Nonresident Energy Fellow and former US State Department Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs, David Goldwyn, NEW report reviews […]

In the News

Aug 25, 2014

Financial Times: Advice for Mexico Over Energy Drive

By Atlantic Council

Financial Times cites a new Atlantic Council report, Mexico’s Energy Reform: Ready to Launch:

Mexico

In the News

Aug 25, 2014

Fortune: Mexico Poised for an ‘Energy Renaissance’ Following Reforms

By Atlantic Council

Fortune cites a new Atlantic Council report, Mexico’s Energy Reform: Ready to Launch:

Mexico

News

Aug 25, 2014

Arsht Center Report in El Financiero

By Atlantic Council

El Financiero cites a new Atlantic Council report, Mexico’s Energy Reform: Ready to Launch:

Mexico

In the News

Aug 21, 2014

Schechter on Cuba’s Investment Challenges

By Peter Schechter

Reuters quotes Adrienne Arsht Center Director Peter Schechter on the difficulties Cuba is facing in attracting investors to the country despite major new reforms: 

Cuba

LatAmSource

Aug 20, 2014

Brazil Mourns the Death of Presidential Candidate Eduardo Campos

By Carlos Guzman

Wednesday, the 13th of August, became a day of sudden and unexpected mourning for Brazil as a small private jet plane carrying presidential candidate Eduardo Campos crashed in the coastal city of Santos killing everyone on board. Campos’ death dramatically changes the Brazilian election’s dynamic. Though polls had him in third place with President Dilma […]

Brazil

In the News

Aug 14, 2014

Schechter: Mexican Energy Reform

By Peter Schechter

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Director Peter Schechter joins MundoFOX to discuss Mexican energy reform and its effect on US energy markets.  http://www.noticiasmundofox.com/videos/apertura-de-la-reforma-energetica-en-mexico-genera-gran-expectativa-en-estados-unidos-15775

Energy & Environment Mexico

LatAmSource

Aug 11, 2014

Brazil’s Lasting World Cup Legacy

By Ambassador Mauro Vieira

In the run-up to the FIFA World Cup, Brazil had to endure a spate of negative reporting and doomsday-style predictions about its capacity to deliver a successful tournament.  Moreover, articles on perceived failures in the preparation for the event stretched the pessimism even further, to the point of questioning the World Cup legacy in the […]

Brazil

In the News

Aug 7, 2014

Goldwyn: United States Must Revise Policy on Petrocaribe Alliance

By David Goldwyn

Adrienne Arsht Center Nonresident Senior Fellow David Goldwyn cowrites for the Houston Chronicle on the Petrocaribe energy alliance:

Venezuela

LatAmSource

Aug 4, 2014

Why We Need a New Alliance Between Workers and Employers

By Gabriel Sanchez Zinny

“Identity, not ideology, is moving the world.” So argued commentator Fareed Zakaria in a recent Washington Post column. Zakaria was referring to political identities, and the fading affiliations citizens have for traditional political groupings like parties, unions, or civic associations. A parallel can be drawn here to the modern workforce. With an increasing volatile economy, […]

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