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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

New Atlanticist

Jul 24, 2018

Latin America’s Future Begins with the Pacific Alliance

By Jason Marczak

This piece was originally published in Spanish in El Financiero on July 24. The original can be veiwed here.  Following the 13th Summit of the Pacific Alliance in Puerto Vallarta, it’s evident that this bloc is the future, and that it offers a prime opportunity for Mexican President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). The Alliance has achieved […]

In the News

Jul 24, 2018

Marczak in El Financiero: El futuro de Latinoamérica empieza con la Alianza del Pacífico

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jul 23, 2018

Braga Quoted in Axios on Brazil’s Presidential Election

By Roberta Braga

Read the full article here.

Brazil

In the News

Jul 21, 2018

Marczak Quoted in the Washington Post on Cuba’s Constitutional Reforms

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Cuba

New Atlanticist

Jul 21, 2018

A Strategic Opportunity

By Sergio Amaral

Stronger Ties Between Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance are Viable, and the International Scene Favors Them This article was originally published in Portuguese in O Estado de S.Paulo on July 21. The first meeting of presidents of Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance countries, in Mexico, on July 24, is not just another presidential summit in which much […]

Brazil

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jul 20, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Everyday Misinformation in Colombia

By Jose Luis Peñarredonda

Colombia's presidential election was rife with concerns over the impact disinformation and misinformation on voter behavior and the overall election.

Colombia Disinformation

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jul 12, 2018

Marczak Quoted in Reuters on Trump Administration Officials Planned Meeting with Mexico’s President-Elect

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Mexico

Event Recap

Jul 12, 2018

AMLO’s election: What does it mean for Mexico, NAFTA, and beyond?

By Bryce Couch

On July 12, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center hosted an event titled, “AMLO’s Election: What Does it Mean for Mexico, NAFTA, and Beyond?” The event explored the aftermath of President-elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s (AMLO) historic election on July 1, 2018 and its impact on the future Mexican domestic policy and hemispheric […]

Americas Economy & Business

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jul 9, 2018

Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s First 100 Days

By Atlantic Council

Mexico is poised for a new era of prosperity if deep structural issues are adequately addressed. In this Spotlight, we ask: What are four of the top issues President-elect López Obrador might prioritize in his first 100 days in office?

Mexico

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jul 3, 2018

Marczak in The Hill: Mexicans voted for change — now what?

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Mexico
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