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

Dispatches Mar 24, 2026

Will Trump focus on Nicaragua next after Venezuela and Cuba?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

If it wants to help foster a more economically integrated Central America, the United States will need to address Nicaragua’s authoritarianism and transnational repression.
Central America Democratic Transitions
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Issue Brief Feb 27, 2026

One month in, can Honduras’ new president put the country on the path to lasting economic gains?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Isabella Palacios

President Nasry Asfura’s early reforms have signaled a focus on fiscal austerity and competitiveness, sending positive messages to investors and to President Donald Trump, who backed him during the campaign. Sustaining this momentum will require significant structural reforms.
Americas Central America
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Feb 23, 2026

Why Colombia’s veterans are going to war in Ukraine

By Erin K. McFee

A lack of economic opportunities and pathways to reintegration is leading Colombian veterans to fight for Ukraine.
Colombia Conflict

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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

In the News

Apr 30, 2014

Marczak: Government Efforts Have Led to Safer Mexico Border Cities

By Jason Marczak

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak is quoted by the Latin Business Chronicle on whether business travelers should be concerned by the safety situation in Mexico border cities:

Mexico

Event Recap

Apr 29, 2014

Arsht Center Launches Social Impact Entrepreneurship Initiative

An emerging class of “social entrepreneurs” in Latin America are driving innovation, growth, and poverty alleviation all at the same time. These innovators are finding creative solutions to social and development challenges and have already improved the lives of millions. The results have been fascinating: community-strengthening, economic development, and re-positioning countries such as Colombia, Brazil, […]

Article

Apr 28, 2014

Spotlight Urbanization

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

How can Latin American cities achieve inclusive development? In April, a record 22,000 people attended the seventh World Urban Forum, convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), in Medellín, Colombia. This nearly doubled attendance from four years ago. Growing interest in urban development highlights how cities are increasingly transcending boundaries to shape national […]

Latin America

LatAmSource

Apr 25, 2014

To Fight Inequality, Let’s Focus on Education

By Gabriel Sanchez Zinny

By many indications, the world has finally left the worst of the 2008 economic crisis behind. Growth is looking to pick up in the U.S. and Japan, spurring what the OECD labels as a moderately positive global economic environment. Unemployment is slowly but surely retreating, and investors are regaining their confidence in the markets.

Brazil

In the News

Apr 22, 2014

Marshall on the Business of Diplomacy

By Capricia Penavic Marshall

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Ambassador-in-Residence Capricia Marshall joins WJLA to discuss the business of diplomacy: 

Event Recap

Apr 22, 2014

Send-Off Reception for Ambassador Whitaker

The new US Ambassador to Colombia, Kevin Whitaker, is taking over one of the most strategic diplomatic positions in the Western Hemisphere. A key political and economic ally to the United States, Colombia is also an important free-trade partner. Strong democratic institutions and a thriving economy point to a prosperous future, one where Colombia increasingly […]

Colombia

LatAmSource

Apr 15, 2014

Brazil’s Digital Laboratory

By Nizan Guanaes

It’s a whole new world this election year in Brazil. Campaigning means communication, and Brazilians today are communicating much more and very differently than during the 2010 presidential election.

Brazil

LatAmSource

Apr 14, 2014

Transformations: Medellin, Colombia, Latin America

By Rachel DeLevie-Orey

Last week the World Urban Forum was hosted in Medellín, Colombia. Twenty years ago this city was under the thumb of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar and deemed the murder capital of the world. In 2013 it was named most innovative city in the world by the Wall Street Journal, beating out Tel Aviv and […]

Colombia

LatAmSource

Apr 13, 2014

Latin America: Social Impact Investment Grows

By Gabriel Sanchez Zinny

In Latin America, there is clear need to promote entrepreneurship that seeks both economic return as well as social impact.

In the News

Apr 4, 2014

Alhonte: Social Media in Latin America

By Natalie Alhonte

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Associate Director Natalie Alhonte writes in the Huffington Post on how social media is reshaping politics in Latin America:

Brazil
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