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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

Issue Brief Aug 20, 2026

A Colombia-Venezuela agenda for recovery, security, and economic growth

By the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

The recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia have created urgent humanitarian needs that will require sustained international support. As recovery advances, the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition outlines how both countries, with US support, can build a cooperation agenda.
Colombia Economy & Business
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Aug 12, 2026

A deadly earthquake gives Colombia’s new president his first test

By Jason Marczak

After the earthquake, de la Espriella must demonstrate firm leadership and his commitment to making the state work in the regions.
Colombia Elections
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Aug 7, 2026

Abelardo de la Espriella takes office in Colombia with a head start in Washington

By Jason Marczak

The new Colombian president and his US counterpart should seize the opportunity to reset the long-term bilateral relationship.
Colombia Economy & Business

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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

Jan 24, 2014

Uncharted Waters: Chile, Peru, and the ICJ

By Thomas Corrigan

Next week brings an important moment for Latin American maritime border relations and transnational cooperation. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to announce on Monday, January 27 its decision in the dispute between Peru and Chile involving nearly 40,000 square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the continent. Not […]

LatAmSource

Jan 23, 2014

Violence in Venezuela: Marczak on VOA

Deputy Director Jason Marczak appeared on VOA to discuss the recent increase in violence in Venezuela. Marczak identifies the relationship between economic turmoil, institutional instability, and the people’s need to seek violent solutions to the plagues of injustice and shortages of basic goods.

Venezuela

LatAmSource

Jan 21, 2014

When it Comes to Education Reform, What Do Parents and Students Want?

By Gabriel Sanchez Zinny

Over the past several years, a number of new players have been getting involved in the push for education reforms to increase school quality in Latin America. This includes civil society groups, Non-Governmental Organizations, the private sector, and –increasingly – parents and students.

LatAmSource

Jan 7, 2014

The Debate Over the Role of Private Enterprise in Education

By Gabriel Sanchez Zinny

This year, the Thunderbird School of Global Management, based in Glendale, Arizona, became the subject of a long and intense debate after it announced a controversial joint venture with for-profit education services company Laureate, which owns 72 colleges around the world. In the deal, Laureate would gain control over Thunderbird’s online programs, as well as […]

Event Recap

Dec 19, 2013

A Closer Look at What Mexico’s Landmark Energy Reform Will Mean

Mexico is poised to expand its oil production so dramatically that it may become one of the world’s most strategically important oil exporters within the next decade, US analysts and a top Mexican official told a conference at the Atlantic Council. Mexico’s decision this year to end the 75-year monopoly of the state-owned company PEMEX, […]

Energy & Environment Mexico

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
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