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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

New Atlanticist

Dec 10, 2021

Nicaragua has cut ties with Taiwan and backed Beijing. What’s next for China’s diplomatic offensive?

By Dan Peleschuk

Our experts break down what swayed Nicaragua, what China has to gain, and what the United States stands to lose.

China Latin America

In the News

Dec 10, 2021

Jason Marczak in AP News: Taiwan loses diplomatic ally Nicaragua to China

On December 10, 2021, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center's Senior Director Jason Marczak was quoted in an AP News article, "Taiwan loses diplomatic ally Nicaragua to China."

Americas China

Transcript

Dec 9, 2021

Colombia’s president: The US helped Colombia through COVID-19. Now it’s time for the next phase of cooperation.

By Atlantic Council

Duque listed opportunities for the United States to invest in Colombia and improve economic opportunity in the country—and Cardin and Blunt reiterated the United States’ willingness to continue its two-hundred-year partnership with Colombia.

Colombia Coronavirus

Report

Dec 8, 2021

A plan for Colombia’s COVID recovery and why it matters for the United States

By Atlantic Council US-Colombia Task Force

The continuity of Colombia’s prosperity and role as a key US partner depends, in part, on the country’s ability to swiftly recover from COVID-19. In 2020, lockdowns and mobility restrictions led to a major recession in Colombia, exacerbating unemployment, poverty, and pre-existing inequalities.

Americas Civil Society

New Atlanticist

Dec 8, 2021

Democracy in Latin America is under threat. These two summits are a chance to fix it.

By Eguiar Lizundia and Antonio Garrastazu

As nations across the Americas come together to address their shared shortcomings, here's a roadmap to help bolster their democratic institutions.

Civil Society Democratic Transitions

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Dec 4, 2021

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 December 4, 2021

Omicron variant detected in Brazil

Infographic

Nov 18, 2021

Infographic: Why North America matters?

By Eva Lardizabal

Ahead of the 2021 North American Leaders' Summit, the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center highlights the importance of North American cooperation on issues such as health, commerce and investment, security, and migration.

Americas Economy & Business

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Nov 16, 2021

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 November 16, 2021

Latin America and the Caribbean on track to reach 40 percent vaccination rate

Press Release

Nov 11, 2021

Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center announces partnership with US Department of State

Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center partners with US Department of State to launch campaign for renewed hemispheric cooperation alongside the ninth Summit of the Americas

Americas Climate Change & Climate Action

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Oct 29, 2021

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 October 29, 2021

Latin America and the Caribbean on track to reach 40 percent vaccination rate

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