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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

Colombia Peace and Prosperity Task Force

Apr 9, 2019

US-Colombia Task Force – Phase 2

Today, the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center launches phase two of its US-Colombia Task Force chaired by US Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Ben Cardin (D-MD). The bi-national group will help guide President Duque, President Trump, the US Congress, and both countries’ private sectors, as Colombia transitions into a more peaceful and prosperous democracy.

Colombia Economy & Business
mexico

Program Impact Story

Apr 2, 2019

Conference call: US foreign assistance and the future of the Northern Triangle

By Atlantic Council

On April 2, the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center of the Atlantic Council held a rapid-reaction conference call following the announcement of President Donald J. Trump’s decision to cut aid to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, in an attempt to curb Central American migration to the United States. The State Department is now working to […]

Latin America Migration

2018 Elections in Latin America

Mar 28, 2019

Digital resilience in Latin America: Automation, disinformation, and polarization in elections

By Valentina Sader

2018 saw political tides turn in three of Latin America’s largest democracies. These elections also saw deep polarization and distrust in institutions among Brazilians, Mexicans, and Colombians in an information environment ripe with disinformation. Following a year-long effort in which the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and its Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) […]

Americas Brazil

Report

Mar 28, 2019

Disinformation in democracies: Strengthening digital resilience in Latin America

By Luiza Bandeira, Donara Barojan, Roberta Braga, Jose Luis Peñarredonda, Maria Fernanda Pérez Argüello

2018 saw political tides turn in three of Latin America’s largest democracies. These elections also saw deep polarization and distrust in institutions among Brazilians, Mexicans, and Colombians in an information environment ripe with disinformation. And while disinformation and misinformation are nothing new, the spread of false information at alarming rates – facilitated by politicians, non-state […]

Disinformation Latin America

Event Recap

Mar 14, 2019

Plan País: Building the new Venezuela – A roadmap for reconstruction

By Angela Chavez

On Thursday, March 14, 2019, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center convened distinguished experts and international leaders to discuss the crisis in Venezuela, as well as next steps in rebuilding the country’s economy, infrastructure, and institutions. The event served as the official unveiling of Plan País—the Venezuelan National Assembly’s detailed plan for reconstruction—on […]

Latin America Venezuela

Event Recap

Feb 28, 2019

Open for business: A new chapter for US-Brazil relations?

By Santiago Herdoiza

Previewing President Bolsonaro’s first official visit to the United States, the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center hosted the public event “Open for Business: A New Chapter for US-Brazil Relations?” on February 28. Roberta Braga, associate director at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, moderated the discussion between Murillo de Aragão, founder and CEO […]

Brazil Economy & Business

Event Recap

Feb 14, 2019

President Iván Duque Márquez: Colombia’s domestic and regional opportunities and challenges

By Chloe Zoeller, Katherine Pereira & Camila Hernandez

On Thursday, February 14, His Excellency Iván Duque Márquez, president of the Republic of Colombia, discussed Colombia’s ambitious agenda for transitional justice, economic reform, and regional leadership. Duque, who was sworn in as president of Colombia in August 2018, was interviewed by CNBC Contributor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera. The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic […]

China Colombia

In the News

Feb 4, 2019

Marczak Joins BBC to Discuss Venezuela Opposition Recognition

By Jason Marczak

Watch the full discussion here

Venezuela

Article

Feb 1, 2019

Looking Ahead: Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center in 2019

By Jason Marczak

Read the Publication (PDF) A note from our director Jason Marczak: One word will define 2019 for Latin America (and the world): uncertainty. Three new presidents in the region’s largest countries have jumpstarted their agendas. Juan Guaidó has assumed the interim presidency in Venezuela. The USMCA awaits next steps in Congress. China continues to increase […]

New Atlanticist

Jan 30, 2019

Venezuela’s interim government shuns Maduro’s offer of dialogue

By Ashish Kumar Sen

"The only thing we will accept is our agenda: how do we negotiate his exit?" says Carlos Vecchio, Juan Guaidó’s representative in Washington.

Venezuela
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