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

Event Recap

Dec 4, 2013

Latin America Center Hosts Colombian President

By Jason Marczak

In his second official US visit, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos joined top policymakers and business leaders for an off-the-record working dinner at the Atlantic Council on December 3. The private event was co-chaired by three former National Security Advisers: General Colin Powell, Stephen Hadley, and Samuel Berger.

Colombia

LatAmSource

Dec 4, 2013

Colombian President’s Official Visit to DC Includes Dinner at the Council

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

In his second official US visit, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos joined top policymakers and business leaders for an off-the-record working dinner at the Atlantic Council on December 3. The private event was co-chaired by three former National Security Advisers: General Colin Powell, Stephen Hadley, and Samuel Berger. US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker was […]

Colombia

LatAmSource

Nov 25, 2013

A Second Point for Peace in Colombia

By Alejandro Castaño

Peace has always been elusive. Every few decades, a new Colombian administration tries unsuccessfully to end the armed conflict that began in the mid-1960s. But after a half century of violence—resulting in an estimated 220,000 deaths, according to the Colombian Center for Historical Memory, and the largest internally displaced population in the world, according to […]

Colombia Latin America

LatAmSource

Nov 19, 2013

More Uncertainty Ahead of Venezuela’s Municipal Elections

By Jason Marczak and Peter Schechter

Where is Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro taking his country? Clearly, it is radicalizing further and faster than under his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. Exactly one month before the December 8 municipal elections, Maduro announced the “occupation” of the Daka chain of electronics stores and security forces proceeded to arrest several executives. A few days later he […]

Latin America Venezuela

LatAmSource

Nov 12, 2013

Spotlight Venezuela

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

In the first installment of our Spotlight series, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center explores three scenarios of how the increasingly volatile situation in Venezuela may unfold. This is a particularly critical moment as the country heads toward municipal elections on December 8 with President Nicolás Maduro recently being granted emergency decree powers […]

Latin America Venezuela

Article

Nov 12, 2013

Spotlight Venezuela | November 12

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Nearly seven months after a highly contentious presidential election, Venezuela’s political, economic, and social future is increasingly uncertain. On November 8, President Nicolás Maduro ordered the “occupation” of an electronics store chain followed by a call for “Bolivarian militias” to flood the streets to crack down on the “right- wing’s fascist economic war.” Security forces are enforcing […]

Venezuela

Event Recap

Oct 29, 2013

Is Venezuela Going Over the Edge? An Assessment from Human Rights Defenders

On October 29, 2013, the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and Freedom House hosted a conversation with three Venezuelan human rights activists on the state of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.

Brazil Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Oct 24, 2013

Mexico: Education Reforms Under Siege

By Gabriel Sanchez Zinny

Lucia, a resident of Mexico City, was stuck in traffic for nearly seven hours. Pedro, from Guatemala, couldn’t make it home after protesters forced the airport to close, cancelling his flight. These stories will sound familiar to anyone who experienced the chaos in Mexico over the past weeks. The disorder stemmed from striking teachers unions, […]

Mexico

New Atlanticist

Oct 22, 2013

Hispanics Must Embrace Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Improve Education

By Gabriel Sanchez Zinny

By now, we all know the numbers. When it comes to education, Hispanics in the US are in trouble. There is a clear and persistent achievement gap between the educational performance of white and Latino students — white graduation rates outpace that of Latinos by nearly 12 percent. Nearly 15 percent of all Latinos drop out before completing […]

Press Release

Oct 2, 2013

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Expands Exceptional Team; Hires Ambassador-in-Residence and Deputy Director

WASHINGTON ― The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center welcomes Ambassador-in-Residence Capricia Penavic Marshall and Deputy Director Jason Marczak. Ambassador Marshall joins the Atlantic Council after a distinguished career in diplomacy and public service, most recently as the chief of protocol for the US Department of State. At the Arsht Center, Ambassador Marshall will bring her strong political, business, and diplomatic knowledge to bear. She will be particularly interested in studying how Hispanic Americans can influence US […]

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