Central America

Central America

An unprecedented wave of irregular migration in Central America has brought renewed US and international attention on the Northern Triangle countries – Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Rampant corruption, violence, and lack of economic opportunities have forced thousands to flee in search of a better future. As a new political landscape emerges in the region, the challenge remains: improving the living conditions for citizens. US support is critical to address that challenge.

Recent analysis

Secure supply chains for the US run through its closest neighbors

Dispatches Jul 23, 2026

How the US should respond to Ortega declaring no more elections in Nicaragua

By Juan Sebastian Chamorro and Maria Fernanda Bozmoski

The dictator is wagering that the Nicaraguan opposition will fragment and Washington will respond with words but no new actions.
Americas Central America
Secure supply chains for the US run through its closest neighbors

Dispatches May 21, 2026

With the Strait of Hormuz closed, the Panama Canal is busier than ever. It should use this windfall wisely.

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Ignacio Albe

Panama must use its revenues smartly by reinvesting in upkeep and in solutions that efficiently use the limited water resources.
Economy & Business Infrastructure
Secure supply chains for the US run through its closest neighbors

Dispatches May 8, 2026

Costa Rica’s paradox of political continuity

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

Across Latin America, voters have punished incumbents and rejected traditional parties. Costa Rica appears to be an exception.
Central America Elections

Events

Online Event Tue, April 21, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

Building Panama’s innovation economy through AI and science
Americas Central America Digital Policy Education
Public Event Tue, February 24, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

Unlocking new opportunities in US-Guatemala trade and investment
Americas Central America Economy & Business Latin America
Online Event Fri, December 19, 2025 • 3:00 pm ET

Where Honduras stands three weeks after the vote
Americas Central America Democratic Transitions Elections

Programs

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.

Learn more

Content

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

New Atlanticist

Jan 31, 2025

What to expect from Rubio’s trip to Central America and the Caribbean

By Jason Marczak, María Fernanda Bozmoski

The US secretary of state lands in Panama on February 1 to kick off his first foreign trip. Here’s what to expect at every stop on migration, security, and more.

Caribbean Central America

Issue Brief

Sep 30, 2024

Accelerating business confidence in northern Central America: A roadmap for Honduras

By the Central America Task Force with task force lead María Fernanda Bozmoski and Eva Lardizábal.

This roadmap—the first of a two-part series by the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center and DT Institute—focuses on pragmatic recommendations specifically tailored to Honduras, to assist in tackling corruption and strengthening business confidence.

Central America Corruption

Issue Brief

Sep 30, 2024

Accelerating business confidence in northern Central America: A roadmap for Guatemala

By the Central America Task Force with task force lead María Fernanda Bozmoski

The still-young presidency of Bernardo Arévalo could be an inflection point in Guatemala's efforts to combat corruption.

Central America Corruption

Report

Sep 17, 2024

From rhetoric to reality: Nearshoring in the Americas

By the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center’s Nearshoring Working Group

Over the past five years, global shifts have reshaped the world. China's rise, US-China tensions, COVID-19, and Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine exposed supply chain vulnerabilities, pushing resilience to the top of the agenda. Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) can seize the opportunity to provide solutions for US companies through nearshoring.

Caribbean Central America

New Atlanticist

Jul 24, 2024

What Kamala Harris’s record in Central America and the Caribbean reveals about her foreign policy approach

By Jason Marczak

There are ample clues to what US foreign policy would look like with Harris as president in her work in the Americas over the past three-and-a-half years.

Americas Central America

New Atlanticist

Jun 4, 2024

Three ways Mexico’s new president could transform Central America

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

The first female president of Mexico has the opportunity to redefine her country’s role in Central America, address the root causes of migration, and promote a more stable and prosperous region.

Central America Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jun 3, 2024

Sheinbaum just won a massive mandate in Mexico. Here’s how she might use it.

By Jason Marczak, Bosco Martí

The president-elect will certainly continue with her predecessor’s policies, but she will also be her own president.

Central America Economy & Business
An aerial view of Quito, Ecuador

Spotlight

Jan 12, 2024

2024 predictions: How ten issues could shape the year in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

How will the region ride a new wave of changing economic and political dynamics? Will the region sizzle or fizzle? Join in and be a part of our ten-question poll on the future of LAC.

Brazil Caribbean

New Atlanticist

Jan 11, 2024

To support Guatemala, the US should send a high-level delegation to Arévalo’s inauguration

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

Imagine the power of two former presidents, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Guatemalan people.

Central America Democratic Transitions
Load More

Experts

Advisory Council member

Jacqueline Bern de Mena

Chief executive officer, Grupo Bern

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Central America English

Staff

María Fernanda Bozmoski

Director, Impact and Operations and Lead for Central America

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Central America

Advisory Council member

Laura Chinchilla

Former President, Costa Rica

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Central America Economy & Business

Staff

Jason Marczak

Vice President and Senior Director

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Americas Argentina

Advisory Council member

<strong>Erika Mouynes</strong>

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Panama

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Central America Democratic Transitions

Staff

Isabella Palacios

Program Assistant

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Central America Colombia
Load More