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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

CALI, Colombia—Most elected officials enter office with an agenda for a better future, and most want to get to work implementing it immediately. Sooner or later, however, that agenda must compete with the urgent, unexpected demands of the present. For newly minted Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, the time between being sworn in and […]
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

Oct 24, 2019

The 10 percent margin: Understanding Bolivia’s contested presidential election

By Sarah Hennessey

With tensions running high on the streets of Bolivia and the inside the Palacio Quemado, the next few days will be critical for the democratic institutions of Bolivia.

Democratic Transitions Elections
AlertaVenezuela email banner

#AlertaVenezuela

Oct 22, 2019

#AlertaVenezuela: October 22, 2019

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

In September, Twitter suspended one of the most active accounts involved in the Maduro regime's ongoing operation to position pro-regime hashtags among the trending topics on the platform. The account @tuiteros_vzla, also known as Tuiteros Patriotas, primarily amplified the daily hashtags posted by the Venezuelan Ministry of Communications and offered monetary compensation to users who tweeted out the hashtags.

Disinformation Venezuela

New Atlanticist

Oct 18, 2019

Ratified USMCA key to unlocking Mexican growth

By David A. Wemer

The United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) will “clearly be an incredible boost” to the Mexican economy at a time when global trade uncertainty threatens to dampen growth prospects around the world, Mexican Secretary of Finance Arturo Herrera said at the Atlantic Council on October 18.

Economy & Business Latin America

Past events

Oct 9, 2019

Belt and Road in Latin America: Where does the future lie?

By Maria Borselli

With 19 signatories in Latin America, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has earned supporters and skeptics in the Western Hemisphere. How will BRI evolve in Latin America and how will it impact the US?

China Energy & Environment
Two men walking across a floodgate.

Issue Brief

Oct 8, 2019

Belt and Road in Latin America: A regional game changer?

By Pepe Zhang

A pragmatic, proactive, and forward-thinking approach is key to ensuring that a massive and evolving Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provides concrete benefits to Latin America and the Caribbean. In particular, countries in the region—and the United States—should take stock of four emerging BRI trends to stay ahead of the game.

China Energy & Environment
Two men walking across a floodgate.

Issue Brief

Oct 8, 2019

Belt and Road in Latin America: A regional game changer?

By Pepe Zhang

A pragmatic, proactive, and forward-thinking approach is key to ensuring that a massive and evolving Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) provides concrete benefits to Latin America and the Caribbean. In particular, countries in the region—and the United States—should take stock of four emerging BRI trends to stay ahead of the game.

China Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Sep 26, 2019

Colombian president aims for “second phase” of US-Colombian ties

By David A. Wemer

Twenty years after the United States enacted Plan Colombia, Ivan Duque said the United States and Colombia are ready for the next chapter of their partnership, focusing on solidifying the rule of law , promoting entrepreneurship and trade, and managing growing regional challenges.

Colombia Migration

Report

Sep 26, 2019

The Untapped Potential of the US-Colombia Partnership

By the Atlantic Council’s US-Colombia Task Force

Creating a Modernized Plan for the Bilateral Relationship

Civil Society Colombia

In the News

Sep 23, 2019

Marczak quoted in Voice of America on Venezuela and the 74th UNGA

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Human Rights

Op-Ed

Sep 16, 2019

Maria Fernanda Perez Arguello in The Hill: US-Mexico-Canada trade pact: A necessity in fragile global economy

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

Mexico Trade and tariffs
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