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

Aug 20, 2026

A Colombia-Venezuela agenda for recovery, security, and economic growth

By the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

The recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia have created urgent humanitarian needs that will require sustained international support. As recovery advances, the US-Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition outlines how both countries, with US support, can build a cooperation agenda.

Colombia Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Aug 13, 2026

A path toward sustainable security in Colombia

By Geoff Ramsey, Ilona Barrero

Colombia has a long road ahead to sustainable peace. Recognizing the failures of past approaches, the incoming government could seek a new security strategy that draws on building state presence in conflict areas and clear institutional frameworks to foster safety and security for Colombian citizens going forward.

Americas Colombia

Dispatches

Jun 22, 2026

Experts react: What a President Abelardo de la Espriella means for Colombia and beyond

By Atlantic Council experts

The right-wing candidate has emerged as the winner of Colombia’s runoff election for president, marking an important break with the outgoing administration.

Colombia Elections

Issue Brief

Jun 15, 2026

Updating the Democratic Transition Framework to chart a way forward in Venezuela

By Geoff Ramsey

To seize the opportunity for a democratic transition in Venezuela in the wake of Nicolás Maduro's January capture, the United States should update a power-sharing framework proposed in 2020 to serve as a road map for the restoration of Venezuela’s democratic institutions.

Americas Democratic Transitions

Issue Brief

Jun 12, 2026

A renewed security and cooperation agenda for Colombia’s next government

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

As Colombia heads to its presidential runoff election June 21, the next government will inherit a security crisis that requires a renewed US-Colombia agenda for dismantling criminal governance structures and the financial networks that sustain them.

Americas Colombia