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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

Venezuela Policy Bites

Oct 22, 2021

Atlantic Council’s Red de Apoyo launches #VenezuelaNecesitaAcuerdos campaign

The Red de Apoyo launched their first campaign in October using the hashtag #Venezuela NecesitaAcuerdos to raise awareness about the importance of promoting a negotiated solution to address Venezuela's political and humanitarian crisis.

Latin America Venezuela

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Oct 16, 2021

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 October 16, 2021

37 percent of people in the region have been fully vaccinated

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Oct 5, 2021

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 October 5, 2021

Chile announces end of a state of emergency

New Atlanticist

Sep 22, 2021

Chilean President Sebastián Piñera: COVID-19 solidarity offers hope for tackling climate change

By Nick Fouriezos

The Chilean leader joined other political, business, and health leaders at the annual conference hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center alongside the United Nations General Assembly. 

Americas Climate Change & Climate Action

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Sep 18, 2021

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 September 18, 2021

Over 30 percent of people across the region have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19

In the News

Sep 8, 2021

Pepe Zhang and Felipe Larraín in Americas Quarterly: How Latin America Can Navigate the China-US Trade Wars

On September 8,, 2021, Pepe Zhang co-authored an article in Americas Quarterly with Felipe Larraín, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center's Advisory Council Member, "How Latin America Can Navigate the China-US Trade Wars."

China Economy & Business

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Sep 3, 2021

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 September 3, 2021

Brazil's Eurofarma, Pfizer, and BioNTech announce partnership to produce 100 million doses annually for the region

Issue Brief

Sep 1, 2021

Addressing instability in Central America: Restrictions on civil liberties, violence, and climate change

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, María Eugenia Brizuela de Avila, Domingo Sadurní

Citizens across Latin America and the Caribbean are rising up in protest. Political frustration and economic stagnation are fueling social discontent exacerbated by the continued COVID-19 pandemic and the slow health response. In Central America, restrictions on civil liberties, high rates of gender-based violence and extortion, and worsening climate change are compounding the lack of economic opportunities and pervasive corruption seen in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Central America Climate Change & Climate Action

New Atlanticist

Aug 25, 2021

The steep costs of missing US ambassadors in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Felipe Félix Méndez

The vacancies limit the Biden administration’s ability to engage with local leaders and civil society, support efforts to fight COVID-19, and gain leverage over China.

Latin America Migration

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Aug 20, 2021

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 August 20, 2021

US announces 8.5 million vaccine donation to Mexico

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