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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

Jun 11, 2022

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 June 11, 2022

Biden administration announces new economic framework for Latin America and the Caribbean

Coronavirus Latin America

New Atlanticist

Jun 3, 2022

The Summit of the Americas should shift US Caribbean policy into overdrive

By Jason Marczak, Wazim Mowla

The United States has the opportunity to build new diplomatic, economic, and energy ties with a critical region.

Caribbean International Financial Institutions

Press Release

Jun 3, 2022

Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center partners with State Department for US-Mexico border study

The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center announced a new partnership with the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the Hunt Institute for Global Competitiveness at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and Colegio de la Frontera Norte (COLEF) in Tijuana to enhance security and economic growth in the United States and Mexico.

Mexico Migration

Allies US-Colombia Book

Jun 1, 2022

Agenda | Allies: Twenty-seven bold ideas to reimagine the US-Colombia relationship

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Agenda for June 1, 2022 event, Allies: Twenty-seven bold ideas to reimagine the US-Colombia relationship.

Americas Colombia

Press Release

Jun 1, 2022

In new Atlantic Council book, US and Colombia influencers propose new vision for US-Colombia ties

The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center published its first book, Allies: Twenty-Seven Bold Ideas to Reimagine the US-Colombia Relationship, that outlines a new vision for US-Colombia relations amid the bicentennial of diplomatic relations and as new local and global challenges call for a reimagined partnership.

Colombia Economy & Business
Colombia

In-Depth Research & Reports

Jun 1, 2022

Advance democracy, security and rule of law

By Bill Brownfield

Go behind the scenes of the launching of Plan Colombia and explore the balancing act between the “hard side” and “soft side” of the foreign policy community, and how the flexibility of both sides and commitment of US and Colombian government made it a success.

Colombia Latin America
Oil pump at sunset

In-Depth Research & Reports

May 31, 2022

Special investment case study

By Vicki Hollub

When I was asked to become the inaugural chair of the US-Colombia Business Council in 2017, I agreed without hesitation. My work in supporting two different administrations to help broaden and deepen bilateral social and economic ties is rooted in the extensive his- tory of Occidental Petroleum (“Oxy”) in Colombia. Almost forty years have passed […]

Colombia Latin America

In-Depth Research & Reports

May 31, 2022

Partner for sustainable pathways

By Paula Caballero and Sarah Gammage

The United States and Colombia can play a key role in supporting green recovery and nature-positive futures by applying the commitments and frameworks they have pledged to uphold to shift the balance of fossil fuels and renewables in their energy sourcing.

Climate Change & Climate Action Colombia

In-Depth Research & Reports

May 31, 2022

Deepen conservation partnerships

By John B. Gantt

The United States has had a long, valuable collaboration with Colombia to conserve nature, biodiversity, and sustainable natural resources; prospects for further progress are promising.

Climate Change & Climate Action Colombia

In-Depth Research & Reports

May 31, 2022

Innovate to protect our ecosystems

By Sandra Valenzuela

Mobilizing financial mechanisms and methods to reduce deforestation, preserve Colombia’s biodiversity, and promote social inclusion and governance are ongoing challenges. Here’s how Colombia and the United States could accomplish these goals.

Climate Change & Climate Action Colombia
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