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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

Spotlight

Dec 20, 2024

Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025: Ten predictions to shape the year ahead

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

As we look to 2025, what will define the future of Latin America and the Caribbean? How will the region navigate the changing global economy and the challenges posed by climate change, migration and security? With new leadership in the US, how will Washington engage with the region moving forward? Join in and be a part of our ten-question poll on the future of LAC.

Brazil Caribbean

New Atlanticist

Dec 6, 2024

Four questions (and expert answers) about the EU-Mercosur trade deal

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts share their perspectives on the landmark trade deal between the European Union and the South American economic bloc.

Brazil European Union

New Atlanticist

Dec 5, 2024

What to know about Argentina’s new investment promotion regime

By Ignacio Albe and William Tobin

The Incentive Regime for Large Investments could build investor confidence in the Argentine economy, but the policy faces significant economic and political challenges.

Argentina Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Nov 19, 2024

How Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina approached this year’s G20

By Ignacio Albe

Disparate national priorities among Latin America’s three G20 members threaten to stand in the way of a common agenda.

Argentina Brazil

New Atlanticist

Nov 18, 2024

How the G20 can help close the women’s leadership gap

By Maite Gonzalez Latorre

A declaration on women’s empowerment at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil would mark a significant step toward a more equitable future for women and girls worldwide.

Caribbean G20

New Atlanticist

Nov 15, 2024

Following COP16, can Latin America and the Caribbean lead the creation of biodiversity markets?

By Isabel Chiriboga

By developing robust biodiversity credit markets, countries in the region will not only safeguard invaluable ecosystems but also set a global standard in climate finance.

Climate Change & Climate Action Colombia

New Atlanticist

Nov 15, 2024

Biden’s first presidential visit to South America comes too late and with China gaining momentum

By Jason Marczak

To compete with Beijing in the Western Hemisphere, Washington should follow a four-part plan to prioritize, invest, message, and align.

Brazil China

New Atlanticist

Nov 13, 2024

As Biden bids farewell, Xi advances China’s influence in Latin America at the APEC Summit in Peru

By Martin Cassinelli, Caroline Costello

Beijing is successfully pairing its economic diplomacy with action, and the United States should be concerned.

China Economy & Business

Report

Nov 12, 2024

A path forward for Colombia’s 2016 peace accord and lasting security 

By US-Colombia Advisory Group, with Isabel Chiriboga and Geoff Ramsey

Halfway through period allotted for the 2016 peace accord’s implementation, Colombia faces slow progress amid rising organized crime. To counter resurgent conflict, Colombia’s government must prioritize carrying out the commitments it made in the accord, backed by millions in US and European investment for long-term security.

Civil Society Colombia

New Atlanticist

Nov 6, 2024

Donald Trump just won the presidency. Our experts answer the big questions about what that means for America’s role in the world.

By Atlantic Council experts

When Trump returns to the presidency on January 20 next year, a number of global challenges will be awaiting him. Our experts outline what to expect.

Conflict Economy & Business
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