Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Featured Content

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

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

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

Dec 19, 2022

As China’s influence grows, Biden needs to supercharge trade with Ecuador

By Isabel Chiriboga

Monday's White House meeting between Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso and US President Joe Biden is a golden opportunity to push mutually beneficial trade talks.

Americas China

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Dec 17, 2022

Aviso LatAm: December 17, 2022

Peru's president ousted after attempt to dissolve Congress

Brazil Caribbean

Issue Brief

Dec 15, 2022

Road to the tenth North American Leaders’ Summit: Spotlight on competitiveness and supply chains

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Jacob Kaufhold, and Isabel Chiriboga

North American competitiveness and supply chains are at an inflection point. The three leaders must take the momentum of the last meeting and continue to advance key priorities. In an increasingly complicated global context, close collaboration and partnership on all fronts is key.

Experts react

Dec 7, 2022

Experts react: Peru’s president was removed from office after a failed power grab. Now what?

By Atlantic Council experts

As Pedro Castillo heads for the exits, our Latin America experts break down all the constitutional chaos.

Americas Corruption

Report

Dec 7, 2022

Improving tax policy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A balancing act

By Felipe Larraín B., Pepe Zhang

This publication outlines evidence-based actions to boost tax revenues, reduce deficits, and encourage robust, fair, and equitable economic development.

Americas Economy & Business

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Dec 3, 2022

Aviso LatAm: December 3, 2022

Latin America and the Caribbean's stagnation is 'worse than the 1980s'

Brazil Caribbean

Experts react

Nov 27, 2022

Experts react: As the US eases oil sanctions, is Venezuela coming in from the cold?

By Atlantic Council experts

With Chevron expanding operations and talks ongoing between the government and the opposition, what’s next for Venezuela? Our experts drill down on the details.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Nov 16, 2022

The future of immunization financing in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Miguel Betancourt-Cravioto and Pepe Zhang

This issue brief outlines outlines recommendations for national immunization programs to promptly recover from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue on a path to effectively protect the health and well-being of region’s populations.

Americas Latin America

Press Release

Nov 10, 2022

Atlantic Council announces new members to the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center’s Advisory Council

Top leaders from the Western Hemisphere committed to advancing the mission of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center join the Atlantic Council