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

May 2, 2013

Distinguished Leadership Awards Offers Perfect Mix of Substance and Style

By Jason Harmala

On May 1, the Atlantic Council brought together more than 700 international leaders of business, government, and diplomacy to present the annual Distinguished Leadership Awards.

Event Recap

May 1, 2013

2013 Distinguished Leadership Awards

The Atlantic Council on May 1 presented its top global leadership awards to former US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Chevron Chairman and CEO John S. Watson, legendary performer and humanitarian Tony Bennett, and musician and social activist Juanes.

New Atlanticist

May 1, 2013

Expanding the Transatlantic Relationship

By James Joyner

Today, the Atlantic Council officially launches the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, which is dedicated to forging an effective Latin America-US-Europe partnership of common values and shared interests. The Center was made possible by a $5 million founding grant by philanthropist and businesswoman Adrienne Arsht, who became passionate about Latin American issues after moving to Miami in […]

Uncategorized

Apr 17, 2013

Transatlantic Task Force on Latin America

By Jason Harmala

Co-Chairs: H.E. Jose Maria Aznar,^ Former Prime Minister of Spain The Hon. Christopher J. Dodd,** Chairman and CEO, Motion Picture Association of America   Honorary Chair: Ms. Adrienne Arsht,** Chairman Emerita, TotalBank Members: Francis Bouchard,** Group Head of Government and Industry Affairs, Zurich Insurance Co. Santiago A. Canton, Director, RFK Partners for Human Rights Alberto […]

Latin America

Event Recap

Mar 20, 2013

Discussion on Latin America with European External Action Service Officials

By Jason Harmala

On March 20, the Transatlantic Relations Program hosted a private briefing of the work of the Council’s Transatlantic Task Force on Latin America for a group of officials from the European External Action Service.

Event Recap

Mar 13, 2013

Roundtable on Argentina with Buenos Aires Cabinet Chief

On Friday, March 15, the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Relations Program hosted an off-the-record roundtable discussion with Buenos Aires Cabinet Chief Horacio Rodriguez Larreta. The event was part of the Atlantic Council’s new initiative to explore Latin America’s role in the transatlantic relationship alongside Europe and the United States.

Latin America

Event Recap

Sep 12, 2012

Transatlantic Task Force on Latin America

By Jason Harmala

On September 12th and 13th, the Atlantic Council held the first meeting of its Transatlantic Task Force on Latin America, a brand new initiative at the Council co-chaired by former Prime Minister of Spain Jose Maria Aznar and Senator Christopher Dodd, with Atlantic Council Board Director Adrienne Arsht as honorary chair.

Latin America

New Atlanticist

Jul 24, 2012

Romania and Paraguay: A Transatlantic Parallel

By Faith Hanna

In the past month, two countries that began their transition towards democracy in 1989 experienced non-military coups of dubious legitimacy.

Eastern Europe

Event Recap

Jun 7, 2012

A Roundtable with Maria Corina Machado

On June 7, 2012 the Atlantic Council’s Transatlantic Relations Program hosted an off-the-record roundtable discussion with Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader and member of the National Assembly.

Venezuela

New Atlanticist

Apr 27, 2012

Argentina before the Law

By Ana Palacio

Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner’s decision to renationalize the energy company YPF has raised a virtual tsunami of political diatribes, threats from unexpected places and players, heated commentary from journalists worldwide, and public outrage in Argentina, Spain, and many other countries. But Fernández is not likely to care about the complaints; renationalization is playing […]

Latin America