All in-depth research & reports

Issue Brief

Nov 19, 2025

Why modernizing CAFTA-DR matters for the United States, and options for updating the trade pact

By Enrique Millán-Mejía, Antonio Ortiz Mena, and Rocío Rivera Barradas

Central America and the Dominican Republic are emerging as key partners for US economic security. The United States has a unique opportunity to reform its free trade agreement with the region—CAFTA-DR—to strengthen these ties.

Americas
Economy & Business

Report

Nov 11, 2025

The future of food in the Americas

By Peter Engelke and Matias Margulis

Though the Americas have traditionally been a food-secure region, even moderate shocks can have profound consequences for agriculture. But there are concrete steps policymakers can take to protect the Western Hemisphere’s breadbaskets from climate disruption, rising protectionism, and other risks. 

Americas
Climate Change & Climate Action

Report

Sep 29, 2025

Partnering for economic security: A comprehensive strategy for greater United States–Dominican Republic integration

By the DR-US Economic Strategy Advisory Group

As global supply chains shift and geopolitical competition intensifies, the United States and the Dominican Republic have a timely and strategic opportunity to deepen their partnership across economic, security, and institutional dimensions. This report outlines six key pillars where coordinated engagement can enhance resilience, unlock new avenues for growth, and strengthen regional stability.

Americas
Caribbean

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

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2025

How the US and Colombia can tackle crime, migration, and fallout from Venezuela’s crisis

By Lucie Kneip, Geoff Ramsey

Despite differences in priorities and political approaches, opportunities exist for the US and Colombia to coordinate policy that promotes stability in Venezuela and the broader region.

Colombia
Corruption

Issue Brief

Jul 10, 2025

Two US policy options for Venezuela: Shaping reform vs. ‘maximum pressure’ toward regime collapse

By Venezuela Solutions Group

The White House faces a choice: Should it use sanctions leverage to try to extract concessions from Nicolas Maduro on energy security, migration, and democratic reforms? Or should it bet on a return to “maximum pressure” in the hopes of precipitating a transition in Caracas?

Democratic Transitions
Economic Sanctions
Cranes atop a building. Dabust Soh/Unsplash

Issue Brief

Jun 9, 2025

Why Congress must reauthorize the US Development Finance Corporation

By Enrique Millán-Mejía, Martin Cassinelli

Congress has an opportunity to give the United States tools to create jobs at home and strengthen ties overseas. Updating the Development Finance Corporation and reauthorizing it before the October deadline are the first steps.

Americas
Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Jun 4, 2025

US interests can benefit from stronger congressional ties with the Caribbean  

By Wazim Mowla, Maite Gonzalez Latorre

The US has a northern border, a southern border, and a third border: The Caribbean. Inconsistent US policies have weakened ties. Stronger and more consistent congressional engagement can build lasting cooperation, safeguard US interests, and support regional growth.

Caribbean
Economy & Business

Report

May 29, 2025

Why Latin America and the Caribbean matter for OECD countries

By Jason Marczak, Martin Cassinelli

Latin America and the Caribbean are increasingly vital partners for OECD countries, offering critical minerals, food security, and clean energy assets. With democratic institutions, open markets, and active multilateral engagement, the region supports global resilience. Strengthened OECD–LAC cooperation can advance shared goals in economic security amid shifting global dynamics.

Americas
Caribbean

Issue Brief

Mar 26, 2025

Trade with Colombia is big business for US exporters—amid growing Chinese influence in Latin America

By Geoff Ramsey, Enrique Millán-Mejía

The United States maintains a trade surplus with Colombia, which is also the top destination for US agricultural exports in South America. However, growing Chinese influence and political tensions threaten the bilateral relationship. To protect mutual economic interests, the United States can leverage diplomatic channels and private sector engagement.

Colombia
Economy & Business
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The Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center broadens understanding of regional transformations and delivers constructive, results-oriented solutions to inform how the public and private sectors can advance hemispheric prosperity.

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