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.

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

In Latin America, transnational criminal organizations, such as drug cartels, have evolved. Backed by networks of economic activity, these groups have grown from local and regional gangs to multinational empires. This is the second in a series of explainers about the interconnectedness of criminal markets in the region.

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Security and transnational criminal organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean

New Atlanticist Jul 23, 2025

A terrorist designation should only be the start in weakening Mexican cartels

The Trump administration’s designation of several Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations must be followed by actions that meaningfully weaken those groups.

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Security and transnational criminal organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean

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
Security and transnational criminal organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean

New Atlanticist Mar 27, 2025

Peru’s crime wave: A populist opening or a chance for reform?

By Martin Cassinelli

Solving Peru’s security crisis will require institutional reforms that combat political corruption and address the root causes of crime.

Corruption Elections

Content

Issue Brief

Jun 1, 2026

US-Caribbean maritime cooperation: Why stronger ports, supply chains, and security matter now

By Maite Latorre Yerou, Patricia R. Francis

The Caribbean is not a peripheral region but a core component of the United States' economic and security environment. Its ports support US trade, its routes shape regional stability, and its infrastructure is now central to geopolitical competition.

Caribbean Economy & Business

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

Fast Thinking

Jan 3, 2026

What to watch in a post-Maduro Venezuela

By Atlantic Council

President Donald Trump said the United States will now “run” Venezuela—but what will that mean in practice?

Democratic Transitions Latin America

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