In-depth research & reports

Report

Mar 7, 2024

Stealth, speed, and adaptability: The role of special operations forces in strategic competition

By Clementine G. Starling and Alyxandra Marine

Clementine G. Starling and Alyxandra Marine discuss how special operations forces enhance US readiness in an era of strategic competition.

Conflict
Defense Policy

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. However, the perception of waning US interest and the rise of external influences necessitate the rejuvenation of and renewed focus on this partnership.

Caribbean
Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Feb 21, 2024

NATO multidomain operations: Near- and medium-term priority initiatives

By Franklin D. Kramer, Ann Marie Dailey, Joslyn Brodfuehrer

How can NATO improve its ability to fight as a multination coalition? These seven initiatives for NATO to take over the next five years can help.

Defense Policy
Defense Technologies

Issue Brief

Feb 21, 2024

This year’s bipartisan immigration bill offers a border blueprint for 2025

By Thomas S. Warrick

The consequences of another year of inaction on border security and immigration policy may convince a supermajority in the Congress to take up again in 2025 many of the ideas in this year’s bipartisan Senate compromise—no matter which party captures the White House in November.

Mexico
Migration

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

Feb 2, 2024

Requirements for nuclear deterrence and arms control in a two-nuclear-peer environment

By Greg Weaver and Amy Woolf

Gregory Weaver and Amy Woolf discuss the future of US nuclear posture and arms control, as the United States will soon face two adversaries with peer nuclear arsenals.

Arms Control
China