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

Press Release

Sep 16, 2013

Peter Schechter Named First Director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

WASHINGTON – The Atlantic Council today named Peter Schechter as the director of its newly launched Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, where he will lead the center’s work forging new political, economic, and business ties between Latin America, North America, and Europe. The Center will highlight Latin America as Europe and North America’s strategic and […]

New Atlanticist

Jul 31, 2013

Latin America’s Drop Out Crisis

By Gabriel Sanchez Zinny

It is estimated that between now and 2040, nearly 40 percent of Latin America’s labor force will lack even a high school degree – much less, any advanced academic or professional training. This is a major challenge in a century whose economic winners are being defined by the ability to innovate, adapt, and leverage advanced […]

Economy & Business Latin America

NATOSource

Jul 15, 2013

Colombia-NATO Partnership Good for Latin America

By Jorge Benitez: Colombia’s Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon visited Europe in June and signed a cooperation agreement with NATO. This important agreement authorized the exchange of intelligence information between Bogota and Brussels.

New Atlanticist

May 23, 2013

Mapping a New Era for Latin America, the United States, and Europe

By Gabriel Sanchez Zinny

President Obama’s trip to Mexico and Costa Rica has put Latin America back at the center of Washington’s foreign policy debate, for a few days at least. The visit comes at a time when Secretary of State John Kerry has not yet visited the region nor given any important speech on Latin American affairs. It […]

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

May 14, 2013

Forging a Trilateral Bond: Solving the Transatlantic Problem by Expanding It

By James Joyner

“If the United States and Europe are to remain competitive—economically, politically, and strategically—in this increasingly multipolar world, they must reach out to partners who share their values and can contribute to a stronger transatlantic economy. That partner is Latin America.”

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Press Release

May 14, 2013

Atlantic Council Transatlantic Task Force on Latin America Calls for a New Trilateral Partnership

By Loren White

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 14, 2013 CONTACT Taleen Ananian 202.778.4993, press@acus.org WASHINGTON – The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center today released a report advocating that Latin America, North America, and Europe should build a stronger, more equal trilateral partnership based on a community of shared interests and values. The report by the Transatlantic Task Force […]

Latin America Task Force Calls for Fundamental Reassessment of the Transatlantic Relationship

Event Recap

May 14, 2013

Latin America Task Force Calls for Fundamental Reassessment of the Transatlantic Relationship

At an event on May 14, the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center launched its first report: The Trilateral Bond: Mapping a New Era for Latin America, the United States, and Europe.

Latin America report cover

Report

May 14, 2013

The Trilateral Bond: Mapping a New Era for Latin America, the United States, and Europe

By Transatlantic Task Force on Latin America

The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center today released a report advocating that Latin America, North America, and Europe should build a stronger, more equal trilateral partnership based on a community of shared interests and values. The report by the Transatlantic Task Force on Latin America—co-chaired by former Prime Minister of Spain José María Aznar and […]

Latin America

Press Release

May 2, 2013

Atlantic Council Officially Launches Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

By Jason Harmala

 En Español FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  CONTACT Taleen Ananian press@acus.org, 202.778.4993 Atlantic Council Officially Launches Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center  Arsht Center to promote and strengthen trilateral Latin America-North America-Europe relations WASHINGTON – The Atlantic Council today officially launched its Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at its Distinguished Leadership Awards dinner. Founded with a $5 million […]

Transcript

May 2, 2013

Transcript: 2013 Distinguished Leadership Awards

Full transcript of the 2013 Atlantic Council Distinguished Leadership Awards.

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