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Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

New Atlanticist Sep 19, 2025

Where does the US-Brazil relationship go after Bolsonaro’s conviction?

By Ricardo Sennes, Valentina Sader

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was found guilty of attempting a coup and sentenced to twenty-seven years and three months in prison.
Brazil Politics & Diplomacy
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Issue Brief Sep 19, 2025

Secure supply chains for the US run through its closest neighbors

By Jose Manuel Restrepo and Martin Cassinelli

Central America and the Dominican Republic are emerging as key partners for US economic security. Strengthening rule of law, workforce skills, and trade frameworks can secure lasting, mutually beneficial economic integration.
Americas Caribbean
Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

New Atlanticist Sep 19, 2025

Five charts that show the challenge of countering Mexico’s criminal organizations

By Aaron Kolleda

Washington’s broader campaign to eliminate criminal organizations is a challenging one, since these organizations have become so deeply embedded in Mexico.
Economy & Business Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade

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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

Colombia Peace and Prosperity Task Force

May 17, 2017

A Roadmap for US Engagement with Colombia

By Senator Roy Blunt and Senator Ben Cardin

The Atlantic Council’s Colombia Peace and Prosperity Task Force, co-chaired by Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), has been working for the past year to put forward recommendations for continued US engagement in Colombia. Today, Colombia is a strategic US partner. Its achievements and experience fighting international networks of organized crime have […]

Colombia

Colombia Peace and Prosperity Task Force

May 17, 2017

Colombia Peace and Prosperity Report Launch: A Dinner with President Juan Manuel Santos

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

After almost twelve months of consultations and deliberations, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center launched on May 17 the Colombia Peace and Prosperity Task Force report: A Roadmap for US Engagement with Colombia. It was the culmination of the work of a notable group co-chaired by Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Ben Cardin […]

Colombia

In the News

May 8, 2017

Marczak in the Hill: Central American Turmoil Fuels Many Illegal US Border Crossings

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Northern Triangle Security and Economic Opportunity Task Force

May 5, 2017

Building a Better Future

By John Negroponte, Eduardo Stein, Maria Eugenia Brizuela de Ávila, and Luis Cosenza

Read the Publication To many Americans, the difficult issues facing Central America’s Northern Triangle—El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras—may seem distant. But the future of the United States is tied to these countries as some of our closest neighbors. Geography alone demonstrates that their stability and prosperity is critical to our national interest.  

New Atlanticist

May 4, 2017

To Secure the United States’ Southern Border, Look to Central America

By Ashish Kumar Sen

US Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly says improvement in conditions will reduce unauthorized migration US Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly has some advice for people thinking of crossing over illegally into the United States: don’t bother coming. “The message is, ‘If you get here—if you pay the traffickers you will probably get here—you […]

Central America

In the News

Apr 23, 2017

Marczak Quoted by the Miami Herald on Venezuela’s Economic Situation

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

Venezuela

In the News

Apr 23, 2017

Marczak Quoted by the Miami Herald on the Caribbean’s Economic Future

By Jason Marczak

Read the full article here.

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2017

The End of Corruption Culture in Latin America?

By Roberta Braga

Accountability in the region creates space for safer investments Odebrecht was once synonymous with Latin America’s most ambitious public works projects. Today, those who hear the name think only of the web of malfeasance that has engulfed the region and continues to extend beyond the continent. But, as negative as these new revelations may seem, […]

Brazil Central America

Event Recap

Apr 5, 2017

Xi & Trump at Mar-a-Lago: US-China Relations and the Impact on Latin America

By Mario Zampaglione

In early April, President Xi Jinping sat down with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago in what was a highly anticipated event between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies. Coming off a campaign in which then-candidate Trump criticized China, the first meeting between the two was intended to focus primarily on the uneven trade relations […]

China

Transcript

Apr 5, 2017

Xi & Trump at Mar-a-Lago: US-China Relations and the Impact on Latin America

TRANSCRIPT: Conference Call Xi & Trump at Mar-a-Lago: US-China Relations and the Impact on Latin America Wednesday, April 5, 2017 2:00 to 2:45 p.m EDT

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