Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Featured Content

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

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

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

Aug 15, 2021

Haiti needs the world’s help. Now.

By Jason Marczak, Wazim Mowla

The world must learn from the mistakes of the past: funding failing to reach Haiti, subpar coordination with the Haitian people, and a relief effort that generated dependence on the international relief community.

Caribbean Democratic Transitions

New Atlanticist

Aug 11, 2021

Cuba’s protests have ebbed. But the forces that fueled them are as powerful as ever.

By Jason Marczak, Wazim Mowla

The street protests have calmed down, at least for now, but this is still a perilous moment for the island—with the Cuban people in need of continued backing.

Caribbean Cuba

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Aug 5, 2021

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19 August 5, 2021

COVAX and the World Bank announce plan to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine

In the News

Jul 8, 2021

Marczak quoted in Foreign Policy on the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse

Read the whole article here (July 8, 2021)

Americas Caribbean

Fast Thinking

Jul 7, 2021

FAST THINKING: Why the Moïse assassination is Haiti’s worst-case scenario

By Atlantic Council

The murder leaves a power vacuum atop a country battling rampant crime and COVID-19—with no obvious succession plan in place. What’s going on in Haiti and how will it reverberate across the region?

Caribbean Coronavirus

Issue Brief

Jun 28, 2021

The strategic importance of sending US vaccines to the Caribbean

By Ambassador James Brewster, Wazim Mowla

While the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges across the world, it is having a disproportionate impact on countries in our hemisphere.

Americas Caribbean

Issue Brief

Jun 18, 2021

Colombia’s national strike: Overview of the situation and strategies moving forward

By Camila Hernandez, Jason Marczak

Amid the third peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Colombia faces the longest and most destructive mass protests in recent history. The protests, which began on April 28, 2021, were triggered by a tax-reform bill proposed by the government to stabilize public debt and fiscal deficit. Despite the bill’s removal on May 2, 2021, protests continued […]

Americas Civil Society

Fast Thinking

Jun 18, 2021

FAST THINKING: A political ‘wake-up call’ for Latin America

By Atlantic Council

Where will Pedro Castillo take Peru? What does his victory mean for the Latin American left and global investors? Our experts break down how the barefoot candidate will govern.

Democratic Transitions Elections

In the News

Jun 15, 2021

Pepe Zhang and Felipe Larraín in Project Syndicate: How Latin America Should Navigate US-China Tensions

On June 15, 2021, Pepe Zhang co-authored an article in Project Syndicate with Felipe Larraín, Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center's Advisory Council Member, "How Latin America Should Navigate US-China Tensions."

China Economy & Business

Press Release

May 27, 2021

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center launches Venezuela Working Group

The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center (AALAC) today launched its Venezuela Working Group, a new effort that will advance a long-term vision and international consensus on action-oriented policies to foster democratic stability in Venezuela.

Americas Latin America