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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

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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

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!

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Content

New Atlanticist

Nov 20, 2023

Experts react: Can ‘lion king’ Milei tame Argentina’s roaring inflation?

By Atlantic Council experts

The former television personality known for his libertarian economic views and unruly mane will become Argentina’s next president. His first task will be dealing with runaway inflation.

Americas Argentina

New Atlanticist

Nov 13, 2023

What Colombia’s ambitious new anti-drug plan means for US relations

By Lucie Kneip and Geoff Ramsey

The Colombian government recently unveiled a new ten-year drug strategy, attempting to break from a half-century of policies that have failed to curb coca production.

Americas Colombia

New Atlanticist

Nov 10, 2023

The APEP Leaders’ Summit opened a window for deeper US economic ties with Latin America and the Caribbean

By Jason Marczak, Martin Cassinelli

The White House's promises at the November 3 summit should be followed up with trade integration efforts, investment goals, and an expansion of the countries involved.

Americas Caribbean

Report

Nov 8, 2023

Future of the Cities Summit of the Americas

By Willow Fortunoff, Diego Area

The first-ever Cities Summit of the Americas created a new platform for mayors across the hemisphere to build partnerships with civil society organizations–particularly those focused on the region and/or local governance–private sector companies, and one another.

Civil Society Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2023

Populism vs. the establishment: What to expect in Argentina’s presidential runoff 

By Atlantic Council experts

After a surprising first-round result, the November 19 election will now pit Economy Minister Sergio Massa against right-wing populist Javier Milei.

Americas Argentina

New Atlanticist

Oct 18, 2023

Experts react: Will Venezuela now hold freer elections and get sanctions relief?

By Atlantic Council experts

On October 17, Venezuela’s government and members of the opposition signed a deal to work toward making next year’s presidential elections more free and fair. Sanctions relief could be next.

Democratic Transitions Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Oct 16, 2023

Four questions (and expert answers) about new Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa

By Atlantic Council experts

On October 15, Noboa was elected Ecuador’s next president, beating out Luisa González, a protégé of former President Rafael Correa.

Economy & Business Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 12, 2023

Ecuador’s presidential election is a choice between the future and experience

By Isabel Chiriboga

Ecuadorians head to the polls on October 15 to vote in a runoff election between Daniel Noboa and Luisa González.

Americas Civil Society

Issue Brief

Sep 26, 2023

A roadmap for the Caribbean’s energy transition

By David Goldwyn, Eugene Tiah, and Wazim Mowla

Caribbean countries are in desperate need of an energy transition. Disproportionately high electricity costs impede economic development, stress public finance budgets, and harm the competitiveness of tourism and other industries.

Americas Caribbean

New Atlanticist

Sep 20, 2023

Does the new Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation mark a sea change in transatlantic relations?

By Atlantic Council experts

A newly announced group of thirty-two countries aims for further collaboration on economic development, environmental protection, and maritime issues such as illegal fishing.

Africa Americas
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