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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

In the News

Nov 1, 2018

Marczak Quoted in Vox on Bolton’s Latin America Speech

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Venezuela

Event Recap

Nov 1, 2018

A new Brazilian economic order? A post-election outlook

By Valentina Sader

On October 28, Brazilians elected their next president: Jair Bolsonaro. He will step into office at a pivotal economic moment for Brazil, following a campaign of heightened polarization. Can the newly elected leader, alongside new voices in Congress, implement the reforms necessary to usher Brazil into a new economic era?

Brazil Economy & Business

In the News

Oct 31, 2018

Marczak Quoted in NBC News on Bolsonaro Victory in Brazil

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Brazil

Event Recap

Oct 29, 2018

Jair Bolsonaro wins in Brazil: What should the US and the World expect from the president-elect?

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

A day after the second round of elections in Brazil, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center hosted a Members and Press Call to discuss what Bolsonaro’s presidency might mean for Brazil and for the future of US-Brazil bilateral relations. Below is the complete transcript and audio of the call.   JASON MARCZAK: Well, […]

Brazil

In the News

Oct 29, 2018

Marczak Quoted in Newsweek on Bolsonaro Election in Brazil

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Brazil

New Atlanticist

Oct 28, 2018

Brazil Swings right with election of Jair Bolsonaro as President

By Ashish Kumar Sen

"The convincing election of Jair Bolsonaro today shows Brazilians' rejection of the status quo. His election reflects voter disenchantment with corruption, insecurity, and anemic economic growth,” said Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center.

Brazil Elections

New Atlanticist

Oct 26, 2018

Here’s how to address the Central American migrant challenge

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Escaping inhospitable conditions in their home countries, men, women, and children hope to find a safer, better future in the United States. Here's how the United States should respond.

Central America Human Rights

2018 Elections in Latin America

Oct 25, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Partisan Debate and Electoral Violence in Brazil

By Luiza Bandeira

On October 7, a few hours after a runoff between the far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro and leftist Fernando Haddad was announced, capoeira master Moa do Katende was stabbed to death in a bar.

Brazil Disinformation

In the News

Oct 23, 2018

Marczak Joins Univision to Discuss Central American Caravan

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2018

Caught in the US-China trade crossfire, Latin America must walk a fine line

By Domingo Sadurní García

Even as some Latin American countries navigate potential upsides in shifting markets and global supply chains, questions loom regarding the future of its commercial relations with the United States.

China Latin America
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