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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

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

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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

New Atlanticist

Apr 28, 2023

Lithium drives the energy transition. Will Chile’s plan to nationalize production be a speed bump?

By Ignacia Ulloa Peters, William Tobin

While state control of resources in Latin America regularly raises the alarms of investors, Chile's strong institutions and previous success create a positive outlook for its ability to deliver.

Critical Minerals Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Apr 28, 2023

What’s going on in Colombia? A guide to Petro’s cabinet shake-up, Venezuela summit, and future US collaboration

By Geoff Ramsey, Isabel Chiriboga

Despite some friction, Colombia's conference on Venezuela highlighted the potential for Washington and Bogotá to work together.

Colombia Latin America

New Atlanticist

Apr 20, 2023

How states and cities can lead the US fight for a gender-sensitive security strategy

By Willow Fortunoff and Diana Paz García

Partnerships are a crucial part of advancing the United States' women, peace, and security agenda. Mayors and governors are already forming these important partnerships.

Caribbean Conflict

Press Release

Apr 18, 2023

<strong>Senators Hagerty and Cardin named honorary co-chairs of Atlantic Council’s US-Colombia Advisory Group</strong> 

Distinguished group to advance a renewed strategy to deepen US-Colombia ties.

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2023

What the Lula-Xi partnership means for the world

By Atlantic Council experts

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chinese leader Xi Jinping just met in Beijing, but it is who else came on the visit that reveals big changes ahead for the two countries and the world.

Brazil China

New Atlanticist

Mar 31, 2023

The US and Argentine presidents left the most important words unsaid

By Isabel Bernhard

Two issues—lithium and China—seem to have been sidestepped when Argentine President Alberto Fernández visited US President Joe Biden in Washington this week, but both are critical to the future of US-Argentina relations.

Americas Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Mar 30, 2023

Experts react: Your guide to the Taiwanese president’s trip to the US and Central America

By Atlantic Council experts

President Tsai Ing-wen's trip comes as US tensions with China are nearing a boiling point, and Taiwan is hustling to hang on to its allies in Latin America.

China East Asia

New Atlanticist

Mar 29, 2023

How can Latin America halt its democratic backsliding? And how can the US help?

By Antonio Garrastazu and Casey Cagley

All aid either hinders or helps democratic development, and donors to Latin America should be intentional about aligning all forms of assistance to make sure they support countries’ democratic development.

Americas Central America

New Atlanticist

Mar 29, 2023

What policymakers should know about improving gender equality in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Atlantic Council experts

Narrowing the gender gap is pivotal for charting a more prosperous future for the region. Five experts on the region provide their ideas for doing so.

Americas Caribbean

Report

Mar 21, 2023

An imperative for women’s political leadership: Lessons from Brazil

By Valentina Sader, Isabel Bernhard

Women are essential to democracy, yet face systematic barriers to political entry and impact. Using the case of Brazil, we analyze the state of women’s political participation and of political violence against women. We propose timely, actionable approaches to reduce women’s unique political challenges and to further strengthen democratic health.

Americas Brazil
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