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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 Aug 12, 2026

A deadly earthquake gives Colombia’s new president his first test

By Jason Marczak

CALI, Colombia—Most elected officials enter office with an agenda for a better future, and most want to get to work implementing it immediately. Sooner or later, however, that agenda must compete with the urgent, unexpected demands of the present. For newly minted Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, the time between being sworn in and […]
Colombia Elections
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Aug 7, 2026

Abelardo de la Espriella takes office in Colombia with a head start in Washington

By Jason Marczak

The new Colombian president and his US counterpart should seize the opportunity to reset the long-term bilateral relationship.
Colombia Economy & Business
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Dispatches Aug 4, 2026

Three charts on how Latin American central banks are diverging on inflation

By Enrique Millán-Mejía and Raúl González-Pietrogiovanna

Governments that cannot raise more revenue and will not trim commitments end up borrowing, and the pressure lands back on their central banks.
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

Issue Brief

Sep 15, 2022

Democratic institutional strength before and beyond elections: The case of Brazil 

By Valentina Sader

Brazil—Latin America’s largest economy and the fourth-largest democracy in the world—will elect its next president, governors, congress, and state-level assemblies in October 2022. This is one of the most momentous elections in recent years, a result of the inflection point that Brazil faces.

Americas Brazil

Testimony

Sep 14, 2022

The Atlantic Council’s Wazim Mowla Provides Testimony at US House Financial Services Committee Hearing on Caribbean Financial Inclusion

By Wazim Mowla

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Assistant Director Wazim Mowla testifies to the House Committee on Financial Services regarding financial inclusion in the Caribbean

Caribbean Digital Currencies

Issue Brief

Sep 9, 2022

Unlocking SME potential in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Eva Lardizábal, Pepe Zhang

This publication outlines practical, forward-looking policy recommendations needed for SMEs to fully become engines of socioeconomic prosperity.

Americas Fiscal and Structural Reform

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Sep 3, 2022

Aviso LatAm: September 3, 2022

LAC's economy is expected to growth 2.7 percent in 2022

Coronavirus Latin America

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Aug 23, 2022

Aviso LatAm: August 23, 2022

World Bank deploys $20.7 billion to support LAC

Coronavirus Latin America

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Aug 6, 2022

Aviso LatAm: August 6, 2022

Mexico to spend $28 billion in programs and subsidies to tame inflation

Coronavirus Latin America

New Atlanticist

Aug 5, 2022

Colombia’s first leftist president is taking office. What should the US expect from him?

By Atlantic Council experts

We reached out to our top Latin America minds to break down what a Gustavo Petro presidency will mean for this longstanding strategic relationship.

Colombia Politics & Diplomacy

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Jul 23, 2022

Aviso LatAm: July 23, 2022

The price of wheat increased 90 percent in Argentina and Chile amid rising food inflation

Coronavirus Latin America

New Atlanticist

Jul 22, 2022

Three ways the United States can prove it’s invested in its relationship with the Caribbean

By Wazim Mowla

The United States has a short window to carve out a new diplomatic and economic era in its relationship with the Caribbean Community.

Caribbean Inclusive Growth

In the News

Jul 12, 2022

Marczak quoted in the The Washington Post on AMLO’s visit to the White House

Jason Marczak was quoted in The Washington Post on AMLO’s comment on Mexico’s cheaper gas during his visit in Washington DC. “The Mexican leader’s comment about cheaper Mexican gas “was a clear attempt to show that division between Mexican energy policy and U.S. energy policy and what AMLO sees as the implications of each policy,” […]

Americas Energy & Environment
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