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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

After the earthquake, de la Espriella must demonstrate firm leadership and his commitment to making the state work in the regions.
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

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 19, 2018

Colombia “Turns The Page” With Presidential Election

By David Wemer

Alina Dieste, Tomás González, and Juan Carlos López all hailed the election of Iván Duque as the next President of Colombia as a historic success for Colombian democracy. Duque, of the right-leaning Democratic Center party, beat left-leaning candidate Gustavo Petro, fifty-four percent to forty-two percent. The June 17th election was the second round of the […]

Colombia Latin America

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 17, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Eyes on Colombia from Venezuela

By Jose Luis Peñarredonda

The Colombian elections have spurred significant interest in Venezuela, as evidenced by the social media activity of accounts based in the country or managed by Venezuelans.

Colombia Disinformation

In the News

Jun 14, 2018

Celia Quoted in CNBC on Colombia

By Juan Felipe Celia

Read the full article here

Colombia

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 13, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Bees Cause Buzz in Colombia

By Jose Luis Peñarredonda

A week before the election, people attending a campaign rally for Colombian presidential candidate Iván Duque were attacked by a swarm bees.

Colombia Disinformation

In the News

Jun 8, 2018

Marczak Quoted in The Independent on Venezuela Being Rated the Least Safe Country

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here

Venezuela

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 7, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Down Ballot Bots in Mexico

By Donara Barojan

Researchers have observed the use of bots for the purpose of promoting candidates, campaign materials, and opposition research for Mexico's election.

Disinformation Elections

2018 Elections in Latin America

Jun 7, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Fraud Claims in Colombia

By Jose Luis Peñarredonda

After the first round in Colombia’s presidential election, citizens shared claims on social media of ballot tampering in favor of candidate Iván Duque.

Colombia Disinformation

In the News

Jun 6, 2018

Juan Felipe Celia Quoted in The Los Angeles Times on Nicaragua

By Juan Felipe Celia

Read the full article here

Latin America

Event Recap

Jun 5, 2018

Mexico presidential candidate series: A conversation with Carlos Manuel Urzúa Macías, adviser to Andrés Manuel López Obrador

By Domingo Sadurní

As presidential elections in Mexico approach, candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador reached a new high of 48.12% voter support, according to a poll published on June 3rd by El Pais/Oraculus. Without runoff elections in Mexico, it is unlikely that José Antonio Meade’s coalition Todos por Mexico or Ricardo Anaya’s Por Mexico al Frente could effectively […]

Mexico

Event Recap

Jun 1, 2018

Conference call: New steel and aluminum tariffs: What does it mean for US trade with Mexico, Canada and the European Union?

By Patricia Thomas

On Thursday, May 31, 2018 President Trump’s administration imposed new steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and European Union; three of the US’ closest allies. 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 day to discuss the […]

Economy & Business European Union
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