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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

2018 Elections in Latin America

Aug 28, 2018

#ElectionWatch: As Colombia votes again, misinformation flows

By Jose Luis Peñarredonda

On Sunday, August 26, Colombians went to the polls again. A significant share of the campaigning involved spreading misinformation  —  or countering it.

Colombia Disinformation

Event Recap

Aug 28, 2018

Conference call: US-Mexico trade deal: Implications and next steps

By Valentina Sader

On Monday, August 27, 2018, President Trump announced that the United States and Mexico reached a deal on several contentious issues in NAFTA, calling it the United States-Mexico Trade Agreement. The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, in partnership with the Atlantic Council’s Global Business and Economics Program held a conference call the following […]

Americas Latin America

New Atlanticist

Aug 27, 2018

NAFTA: The End?

By David A. Wemer

Now that the United States and Mexico have reached a bilateral trade agreement, the focus shifts to Canada—the third partner in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). “Reaching a US-Mexico trade deal is critical for the US and Mexican economies and for the millions of US workers who depend on trade with our southern […]

Economy & Business Mexico

2018 Elections in Latin America

Aug 17, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Bots Around Brazil’s First Presidential Debate

By Marco Ruediger, Director of the Department of Analyses and Public Policy, Fundação Getúlio Vargas

A piece published by the website República de Curitiba claimed Twitter “removed” mentions of right-wing candidate Jair Bolsonaro during the debate.

Brazil Disinformation

2018 Elections in Latin America

Aug 16, 2018

Conference Call: Brazil’s Election Takes Shape

By Bryce Couch

On August 16, the first official day of the Brazilian presidential campaign, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, in partnership with the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI), hosted the conference call, “Brazil’s Election Takes Shape.” The discussion focused on three primary issue facing the incoming administration: economic reform and trade; political reform; […]

Brazil

New Atlanticist

Aug 16, 2018

Brazil readies for contentious Presidential campaign

By David Wemer

Although the field remains divided, Lula or Haddad’s primary rival will be right-leaning Army Reserve Captain Jair Bolsonaro, who has gained notoriety for a string of controversial remarks and tough measures proposed to address Brazil’s security concerns.

Brazil Elections

In the News

Aug 16, 2018

Braga Quoted in Slate on Internet Freedom in Cuba

By Roberta Braga

Read the full article here

Cuba

2018 Elections in Latin America

Aug 16, 2018

SPOTLIGHT: 2018 Election Series – Brazil

By Atlantic Council

Brazil’s race for the next president is narrowing by the day. Of the fourteen candidates announced as of the beginning of August, five viable front-runners have emerged. In this Spotlight, we ask: With Brazil’s presidential campaign set to officially kick off, what could an October win for one of the top contenders mean for political […]

Brazil

In the News

Aug 15, 2018

Marczak Quoted in VOA on Mattis South America Tour

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here

Latin America

2018 Elections in Latin America

Aug 15, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Loves For Sale In Brazil

By Ben Nimmo, Maria Fernanda Perez Arguello, Jose Luis Peñarredonda, and Kanishk Karan

A group of apparently young Brazilians is running a network of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts to trade engagement for cash.

Brazil Disinformation
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