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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

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Feb 6, 2023

Aviso LatAm: February 6, 2023

Dr, Jarbas Barbosa takes office as PAHO's new director

Brazil Caribbean

Announcements

Jan 26, 2023

Atlantic Council and DT Institute launch Central America Task Force to accelerate confidence of businesses in the region

The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center (AALAC) and DT Institute convened on January 25th a new Central America Task Force (CATF). Over the next 10 months, the task force will devise action-oriented, locally driven policy recommendations for anti-corruption efforts to unlock economic opportunities and investment. These recommendations will be captured in three country-specific […]

Central America Latin America

Experts react

Jan 25, 2023

Experts react: The US opens up Caribbean energy supplies with a sanctions exception for Venezuela. What does it mean for the region?

By Atlantic Council experts

The agreement would boost Caribbean energy supplies while creating an exception for some US sanctions on Caracas—without allowing cash payments to go to President Nicolás Maduro’s government.

Caribbean Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Jan 24, 2023

This is a make-or-break year for US-Caribbean relations

By Wazim Mowla

Last year, the United States was in listening mode; but this year, the United States must make it a priority to support the Caribbean—or someone else will.

Caribbean Geopolitics & Energy Security

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Jan 21, 2023

Aviso LatAm: January 21, 2023

Protests in Peru descend into capital city Lima

Brazil Caribbean

New Atlanticist

Jan 18, 2023

Bahamian prime minister urges action on climate change, financial inclusion, and regional cooperation

By Nick Fouriezos

Philip Davis, prime minister of The Bahamas and chair of the Caribbean Community, told the Atlantic Council that the region is ready to take action on improving energy security and economic development.

Caribbean Climate Change & Climate Action

Fast Thinking

Jan 9, 2023

How Brazil can respond to its democracy stress test

By Atlantic Council

Now that authorities have cleared the protests and launched an investigation into security failures, our experts break down what’s to come.

Brazil Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Jan 9, 2023

Experts react: Brazil has suffered its own attack against democracy. Here’s what the government and its allies can do next.

By Atlantic Council experts

As the tear gas clears, substantial questions remain about the state of Brazil’s democracy and institutions—and what the United States can do in response to the riot.

Brazil Democratic Transitions

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Jan 7, 2023

Aviso LatAm: January 7, 2022

Lula's return to power

Brazil Caribbean

New Atlanticist

Jan 5, 2023

Biden just tightened US migration policy. Can he calm the surge at the border?

By Atlantic Council experts

We asked our experts what’s behind the policy shifts from the White House and what happens next.

Americas Central America
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