Archives

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.

About Events Analysis Publications

Featured Content

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches May 6, 2026

How the Iran war is affecting Latin America and the Caribbean’s economic outlook

By Ignacio Albe, Enrique Millán-Mejía

The data show how energy and commodity shortages are pushing inflation higher, tightening financial conditions, and slowing growth.
Caribbean Conflict
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Issue Brief Apr 30, 2026

How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Though Colombia’s recent legislative elections were largely peaceful, the security environment has worsened in recent weeks amid death threats against candidates and escalating violence by armed groups. The upcoming weeks present a narrow, but critical, window to reduce risks ahead of the May 31 presidential election.
Americas Civil Society
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Issue Brief Apr 20, 2026

Using the USMCA review to strengthen regional integration

By the Binational Task Force on Economic Security and Competitiveness

As economic and trade authorities across Mexico and the United States engage in the July 2026 USMCA review, adapting to new geopolitical realities without reversing binational economic integration should be a priority.
Americas Economy & Business

Stay Updated


To stay up to date on our insight, analysis, and events covering pressing political, economic, and strategic issues across the region, sign up below.

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!

watch more

Stay connected

Content

Guatemala's Foreign Minister Mario Adolfo Bucaro Flores, Paraguay's President Mario Abdo Benitez, Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso, Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, El Salvador's Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and Suriname's President Chandrikapersad Santokhi react as they take part in the EU-LAC Digital alliance photo op ceremony, during the summit in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron

Issue Brief

Dec 12, 2023

Galvanizing Spain’s presidency for the next chapter

By Ignacia Ulloa Peters, Diego Area, Felipe Félix Méndez

Spain’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2023 was a unique opportunity to deepen partnerships between the Euro-Americas. Through shared values, common interests, and complementary capabilities, the EU, US, and LAC have the potential to advance lasting solutions to the most pressing challenges facing these regions and the world.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Dec 11, 2023

Marczak joins NBC News to discuss Milei’s new “shock measures” in Argentina

By Atlantic Council

More about our expert

English Latin America

New Atlanticist

Dec 8, 2023

What the Global South needs for a just energy transition

By Katherine Golden

Achieving a just energy transition for the Global South may require a complete reversal in the way the world has operated for centuries.

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

In the News

Dec 6, 2023

Ramsey quoted in New York Times on Venezuela sanctions relief

By Atlantic Council

More about our expert

English Latin America

New Atlanticist

Nov 30, 2023

Milei is backing away from his radical dollarization idea. What options does Argentina have? 

By Martin Mühleisen

The incoming president’s campaign pledge to move Argentina to the US dollar seems less and less likely in the near term.

Argentina Economy & Business

Report

Nov 30, 2023

Advancing US-Colombia cooperation on drug policy and law enforcement

By Atlantic Council US-Colombia Advisory Group

Consumption and price of the drug has remained stable in the United States in recent years. However, the current trend of falling coca leaf and cocaine prices in Colombia present a natural incentive for coca growers to find alternative forms of income, which could mean a higher rate of success for alternative development programs.

Civil Society Colombia

Fast Thinking

Nov 20, 2023

The economic aftershocks from Milei’s win in Argentina

By Atlantic Council

Argentina’s economy is due for radical change from the Peronist status quo as libertarian TV personality Javier Milei is set to become the country’s next president.

Americas Argentina

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
Load More