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

LatAmSource

Dec 19, 2013

The Pemex Door Has Opened

By Jason Marczak and Peter Schechter

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto capped a year of reform with a final act that far exceeded expectations of the 47-year-old leader’s first year. Energy reform, passed by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies last week, will end a 75-year policy prohibiting private investment in the country’s hydrocarbons sector. Some estimate that the reform will […]

Energy & Environment

Webcasts

Dec 19, 2013

Webcast: Mexico’s Energy Reform

Join the discussion on Twitter using the hashtag #MXEnReform and follow the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center @ACLatAm. The Mexican Congress passed a landmark constitutional amendment on December 12 which will transform the country’s energy sector. Join the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and Energy & Environment Program on December 19 from 8:30 to 10:30 […]

Report

Dec 19, 2013

Mexico Rising: Comprehensive Energy Reform at Last?

By David J. Goldwyn

A report released today by the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center on Mexican energy reform argues that Mexico has positioned itself to become a major player in the global market as a competitive and transparent supplier of oil. Authored by former State Department Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs David Goldwyn, […]

Energy & Environment Mexico

Press Release

Dec 19, 2013

Atlantic Council Report Analyzes Landmark Mexican Energy Reform

WASHINGTON – A report released today by the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center on Mexican energy reform argues that Mexico has positioned itself to become a major player in the global market as a competitive and transparent supplier of oil.

Mexico

LatAmSource

Dec 12, 2013

Mexico Passes Landmark Energy Reform

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

In the last hour, the Mexican Congress passed energy reform that will fundamentally transform the country by opening up foreign investment in the energy sector for the first time in 75 years. The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center also will be issuing the first comprehensive analysis of the reform on Thursday, December 19, which […]

Energy & Environment Mexico

LatAmSource

Dec 12, 2013

Marczak on Venezuelan Election Results

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Question: What do the results suggest about the level of support for the president, the opposition and where the country may be headed? Is a big change likely to come about in Venezuela in 2014? Chavismo may have won the popular vote in the December 8 municipal elections, but the opposition can rightly claim its […]

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

LatAmSource

Dec 10, 2013

Obama, Castro Shake Hands

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

On Tuesday, December 10, US President Barack Obama reached out for an historic handshake with Cuban President Raúl Castro as he was walking to the podium to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela at FNB stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. The US withdrew diplomatic recognition of Cuba in 1961 and continues to impose an embargo.

LatAmSource

Dec 6, 2013

Arsht Center Experts on Upcoming Venezuela Elections

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

This Sunday, December 8, Venezuelans go to the polls to vote in municipal elections that are the government’s first test at the ballot box of the eight months since Nicolás Maduro was elected president. Just over 330 mayoral offices will be at stake; of these, the opposition currently controls just seventy. The Atlantic Council’s experts […]

Elections Politics & Diplomacy

Article

Dec 5, 2013

Spotlight Colombia: December 5

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

How might the FARC peace negotiations impact Colombia’s presidential election? President Barack Obama emphasized “the tremendous progress that’s taken place in Colombia” after meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos at the White House on December 3. His comments come at a pivotal moment as Colombia enters an electoral season. Download PDF

Colombia

Congressional Relations

Dec 4, 2013

Atlantic Council Hosts Colombian President Santos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 2013 CONTACT Taleen Ananianpress@AtlanticCouncil.org, 202.778.4993 WASHINGTON — The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center this evening hosted Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos for a private dinner with US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker; US Congressmen Eliot Engel, and Gregory Meeks; and other decision-makers. The dinner was co-chaired by former […]

Colombia
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