Issue in Focus: Colombia

Content

Issue Brief

Apr 30, 2026

How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Though Colombia's recent legislative elections were largely peaceful, the security environment has worsened in recent weeks amid death threats against candidates and escalating violence by armed groups. The upcoming weeks present a narrow, but critical, window to reduce risks ahead of the May 31 presidential election.

Americas Civil Society

Dispatches

Apr 12, 2026

Washington needs a ‘Plan Venezuela’ before it’s too late

By James Story and David Bellon

Using Plan Colombia as a model, the United States should commit to a long-term, well-funded effort to bring security to Venezuela.

Colombia Economy & Business

Dispatches

Feb 23, 2026

Why Colombia’s veterans are going to war in Ukraine

By Erin K. McFee

A lack of economic opportunities and pathways to reintegration is leading Colombian veterans to fight for Ukraine.

Colombia Conflict

Dispatches

Feb 5, 2026

How the Trump-Petro meeting could reshape Colombia’s electoral landscape

By Isabella Palacios

Petro’s turn toward engagement with Trump could have a significant impact on Colombia’s upcoming elections and the next president’s relations with Washington.

Colombia Latin America

Dispatches

Feb 2, 2026

To repair US-Colombia ties, Trump and Petro should focus on counternarcotics and Venezuela

By Kevin Whitaker

By focusing on shared interests on counternarcotics and Venezuela, Tuesday's Oval Office meeting between the US and Colombian presidents can put the two nations’ bilateral relations on a better path.

Colombia Crisis Management

Dispatches

Jan 28, 2026

To boost Venezuela’s economic recovery, the US should lean into Colombia

By Enrique Millán-Mejía

With the right safeguards in place, increased US coordination with Colombia can help boost Venezuela’s reconstruction.

Colombia Economy & Business

Spotlight

Dec 17, 2025

Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026: Ten defining questions for the year ahead

By the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

A look at the ten defining questions that will shape Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026.

Argentina Brazil

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2025

With Petro and Trump at odds, what’s next for the US-Colombia relationship? 

By Jason Marczak

Amid the current US-Colombia tensions, both countries should remind themselves of how important this relationship is for their shared security, economic, and geopolitical goals.

Americas Colombia

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
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