All in-depth research & reports

Our team, which includes diverse experts from various backgrounds and regions, creates informative reports, convenes high-level events, and conducts research by fostering relationships across the US and abroad, bringing public and private sector stakeholders together, and opening the door to new conversations and changes in the region. Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and more, we engage directly with people on the ground in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) across many countries to explore a wide range of topics, including democracy, economic development, energy, climate, and women’s empowerment. We prioritize authentic representation by amplifying voices from the region in our work. 

Report

Mar 7, 2024

Not without her: A roadmap for gender equality and Caribbean prosperity

By Wazim Mowla, Valentina Sader

Caribbean development is intrinsically linked with women’s equality. After a multi-month consultation process with Caribbean stakeholders, we offer a roadmap on how to achieve inclusive development in the region.

Americas Caribbean

Report

Mar 5, 2024

The future of democracy in the Americas

By Breana Stanski and Diego Area

The Democracy and Governance commitment at the Ninth Summit of the Americas marked an imperative platform for strengthening the region’s democratic values and institutions.

International Organizations Latin America

Report

Feb 26, 2024

Redefining US strategy with Latin America and the Caribbean for a new era

By Jason Marczak, María Fernanda Bozmoski, Matthew Kroenig

The strategic interest of the United States and the countries of Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) lies in strengthening their western hemisphere partnership. Shared borders, economic interests, and security alliances bind these nations, along with a common goal for prosperity. However, the perception of waning US interest and the rise of external influences necessitate the […]

Caribbean Economy & Business

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Feb 12, 2024

China pairs actions with messaging in Latin America. The United States should do the same.

By David O. Shullman

China has coordinated trade, financing, and investment with diplomatic engagement, public diplomacy, and information operations to deepen its influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Washington should, in turn, pair diplomatic engagement and messaging with greater attention to regional countries’ needs.

China Economy & Business

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Feb 12, 2024

Don’t let geopolitics undermine Latin America’s hard-won free markets

By Stephen B. Kaplan

The United States is concerned about China’s close economic ties to Latin America and the Caribbean; however, the US response should be careful not to undermine longstanding market norms and popular trade liberalization policies

Caribbean China

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Feb 12, 2024

China and Russia engage Latin America and the Caribbean differently. Both threaten US interests.

By Ryan C. Berg

China and Russia are both seeking to deepen their influence in the Western Hemisphere at the expense of the United States, though the means by, and ends for, which they pursue that differ in some cases. China’s engagement is more thorough and multifaceted, while Russia’s is more circumscribed.

China Economy & Business

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Feb 12, 2024

Beijing’s influence on Latin America’s energy mix is growing—especially in renewables

By Joseph Webster, William Tobin

Russia and, especially, China are intertwined in Latin America’s energy market, with Chinese ties expanding markedly over the past two decades. The United States and its allies and partners must take quick action to counter this rising influence.

China Energy & Environment

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Feb 12, 2024

The competition for influence in the Americas is now online

By Celina Realuyo

China is expanding its footprint in Latin America and the Caribbeans’s emerging technology and critical infrastructure arenas, while Russia is engaging in foreign influence operations via the cyber domain. These challenges require a proactive stance by the United States.

China Cybersecurity

Report

Dec 20, 2023

The future of clean energy in the Americas

By Wazim Mowla, Diego Area

LAC countries are facing major challenges in their ability to develop renewable energy projects, expand low-emission energy systems, and fill existing technical and financing gaps that hinder regional energy security. A key takeaway to come out of the Summit Implementation Roundtable was that the US-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030 (PACC 2030) has the potential to advance clean energy goals in the Caribbean and become a blueprint to address similar challenges in Latin America.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment
Guatemala's Foreign Minister Mario Adolfo Bucaro Flores, Paraguay's President Mario Abdo Benitez, Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso, Costa Rica President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, El Salvador's Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and Suriname's President Chandrikapersad Santokhi react as they take part in the EU-LAC Digital alliance photo op ceremony, during the summit in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2023. REUTERS/Johanna Geron

Issue Brief

Dec 12, 2023

Galvanizing Spain’s presidency for the next chapter

By Ignacia Ulloa Peters, Diego Area, Felipe Félix Méndez

Spain’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2023 was a unique opportunity to deepen partnerships between the Euro-Americas. Through shared values, common interests, and complementary capabilities, the EU, US, and LAC have the potential to advance lasting solutions to the most pressing challenges facing these regions and the world.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

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.