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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

After the earthquake, de la Espriella must demonstrate firm leadership and his commitment to making the state work in the regions.
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

New Atlanticist

Jun 8, 2020

Where the US-Brazil relationship is going next

By Larry Luxner

As Brazil and the United States grapple with the devastating effects of the coronavirus pandemic, both countries are trying to chart paths to economic recovery. And according to officials from both countries, the road to renewed growth could include deepening their trade and investment relationship.

Brazil Coronavirus
AlertaVenezuela email banner

#AlertaVenezuela

Jun 2, 2020

#AlertaVenezuela: June 2, 2020

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

In May, the Maduro regime restricted access to specific websites, including YouTube and Instagram, during a virtual session of the country’s National Assembly. According to nongovernmental organizations, journalists and medical personnel have also been detained since the COVID-19 pandemic first began spreading in the country.

Disinformation Venezuela

New Atlanticist

Jun 2, 2020

Costa Rica legalized same-sex marriage. Where does the rest of Latin America stand on marriage equality?

By Isabel Kennon

As Costa Rica becomes the first in Central America to take this step toward equality, it remains to be seen who will be next to turn the Inter-American Court on Human Rights’ opinion into action.

Civil Society Human Rights

New Atlanticist

May 28, 2020

Costa Rica’s accession to the OECD will continue to improve its competitiveness

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

It is hardly contested that Costa Rica’s accession to the OECD will allow the country’s economy to become more dynamic and diversified as it adopts the organization’s standards and becomes more competitive. But accession to the OECD is not the end of the road for Costa Rican development.

Economy & Business Latin America
AlertaVenezuela email banner

#AlertaVenezuela

May 27, 2020

#AlertaVenezuela: May 27, 2020

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

The hashtag #OperacionGedeon, in reference to the name of the failed attempt to oust Nicolás Maduro from power, trended on Twitter in Venezuela from May 3, 2020, when the first armed clashes and detentions were reported by the Maduro regime, until May 6.

Disinformation Venezuela

Transcript

May 26, 2020

President Alejandro Giammattei: Reactivating Guatemala’s economy post COVID-19

Atlantic CouncilAdrienne Arsht Latin America CenterLeaders of the Americas Event President Alejandro Giammattei: Reactivating Guatemala’s economy post COVID-19 Speaker:President Alejandro Giammattei,President of Guatemala Introductions by:Jason Marczak,Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America CenterAtlantic Council Ana PalacioBoard Member, Atlantic Council;Founder, Palacios y Asociados;Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002-2004), Spain Time: 11:00 a.m. EDTDate: Thursday, May 21, 2020 Transcript […]

Central America Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

May 21, 2020

Guatemalan president criticizes US over lack of COVID-19 assistance

By Larry Luxner

“Guatemala is an ally of the United States, but I don’t believe the US is an ally to Guatemala, because they don’t treat us like one,” he said. “We’ve seen how they’ve assisted other countries with ventilators, and we haven’t even gotten a dime from them—not even one single mask from the United States. We don’t feel appreciated.”

Central America Coronavirus

Past events

May 20, 2020

China-Brazil relations under COVID-19

By Isabel Kennon

On May 12, 2020, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center hosted a timely conversation on the implications of the coronavirus on Sino-Brazilian relations. The event also marked the launch of the new China-Latin America Policy and Business Consultation Group, which will discuss some of the most pressing issues around China’s relationship with countries […]

Americas Brazil
AlertaVenezuela email banner

#AlertaVenezuela

May 12, 2020

#AlertaVenezuela: May 12, 2020

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

The hashtag #OperacionGedeon, in reference to the name of the failed attempt to oust Nicolás Maduro from power, trended on Twitter in Venezuela from May 3, 2020, when the first armed clashes and detentions were reported by the Maduro regime, until May 6.

Disinformation Venezuela

New Atlanticist

May 7, 2020

Nicaragua’s response to COVID-19 endangers not only its own people, but also its neighbors

By Maria Fernanda Bozmoski and Isabel Kennon

Nicaragua’s reckless response to COVID-19 puts an already fragile Central America at risk and should worry the international community. In the fight against this global pandemic, Nicaragua and Costa Rica provide a clear example of how one country’s flawed response to the virus can drastically impact its neighboring countries

Coronavirus Democratic Transitions
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