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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

Issue Brief

Mar 26, 2025

Trade with Colombia is big business for US exporters—amid growing Chinese influence in Latin America

By Geoff Ramsey, Enrique Millán-Mejía

The United States maintains a trade surplus with Colombia, which is also the top destination for US agricultural exports in South America. However, growing Chinese influence and political tensions threaten the bilateral relationship. To protect mutual economic interests, the United States can leverage diplomatic channels and private sector engagement.

Colombia Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Mar 25, 2025

The US needs to build a new Caribbean policy. Rubio’s trip to the region can be the first step.

By Wazim Mowla

US engagement with the Caribbean should prioritize energy investments and efforts to reduce violent crime in the region.

Caribbean Economy & Business

Trackers and Data Visualizations

Mar 3, 2025

Venezuela sanctions tracker: Who is the international community sanctioning in Venezuela?

By Lucie Kneip, Geoff Ramsey

International actors including the US, Canada, and the EU have imposed sanctions on individuals responsible for acts of corruption, human rights violations, and the breakdown of democratic rule in Venezuela. How aligned are these countries on sanctions, and where do gaps exist?

Americas Economic Sanctions

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2025

Canada’s G7 presidency should prioritize health innovation

By Carl Meacham

Canada should use its G7 presidency to communicate the long-term economic benefits of investing in health innovation.

Europe & Eurasia Resilience & Society

New Atlanticist

Feb 26, 2025

Milei came to Washington wanting freer trade. What would that mean for the US and Argentina?

By Ignacio Albe, Valentina Sader

The Argentine president used his recent trip to Washington to call for closer trade relations with the United States. Here is what is at stake.

Argentina Economy & Business

Fast Thinking

Feb 4, 2025

Where do the Trump tariffs go from here?

By Atlantic Council

US tariffs on China went into effect today, while President Donald Trump paused levies on Mexico and Canada. Our experts explain who and what could be next.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Feb 4, 2025

What Ecuador’s election will mean for the region’s fight against organized crime

By Isabel Chiriboga

The winner of Ecuador’s presidential election will need to adopt a new approach to confronting the country’s security and economic challenges.

Economy & Business Latin America

Fast Thinking

Feb 1, 2025

What to know about Trump’s new tariffs

By Atlantic Council

Our experts outline the economic and political impacts that the United States’ tariffs will have on Canada, Mexico, and China.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Feb 1, 2025

Experts react: Trump just slapped tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain the economic and geopolitical implications of the US tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China.

China Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jan 31, 2025

What to expect from Rubio’s trip to Central America and the Caribbean

By Jason Marczak, María Fernanda Bozmoski

The US secretary of state lands in Panama on February 1 to kick off his first foreign trip. Here’s what to expect at every stop on migration, security, and more.

Caribbean Central America
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