All commentary & analysis

New Atlanticist

Sep 12, 2025

Was Trump’s strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat legal?

By Celeste Kmiotek

It’s worth looking in detail at where the US strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel on September 2 sits in relation to international law.

Maritime Security Rule of Law

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

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

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

New Atlanticist

Sep 5, 2025

Rubio’s visit to Mexico and Ecuador shows the need for US security cooperation runs deeper than warships in the Caribbean

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

US counternarcotics operations in the Caribbean are only one aspect of how Washington can build security ties with Latin American partners.

Conflict Defense Policy

New Atlanticist

Sep 2, 2025

Dispatch from Bogotá: This September is a pivotal moment for US-Colombia relations

By Geoff Ramsey, Isabella Palacios

In the coming days, the White House has to decide whether to certify Colombia as a partner in the fight against transnational drug trafficking.

Colombia Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Sep 2, 2025

Take Colombia’s risk of democratic backsliding under Petro seriously

By Enrique Millán-Mejía, Geoff Ramsey

Recent statements and proposals from Colombian President Gustavo Petro have raised concerns that his administration could spark a constitutional crisis.

Colombia Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 29, 2025

Why are US warships heading toward Venezuela?

By Atlantic Council experts

Three Aegis guided-missile destroyers and several other US warships are headed to the waters near Venezuela. Two Atlantic Council experts explain why and what to expect next.

Latin America Politics & Diplomacy

New Atlanticist

Aug 15, 2025

A milestone on Argentina’s long road to recovery

By Jason Marczak, Ignacio Albe

The International Monetary Fund recently completed the first review of Argentina’s Extended Fund Facility signed in April. The result was positive, reflecting the country’s larger economic trajectory under President Javier Milei.

Argentina Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2025

Five charts that show how criminal organizations in Colombia work—and grow

By Aaron Kolleda and Isabel Chiriboga

Our experts break down the numbers that show the reach, power, and influence of drug cartels and other transnational criminal organizations.

Americas Colombia