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

Atlantic Council and DT Institute launch Central America Task Force to accelerate confidence of businesses in the region

Issue Brief Feb 27, 2026

One month in, can Honduras’ new president put the country on the path to lasting economic gains?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Isabella Palacios

President Nasry Asfura’s early reforms have signaled a focus on fiscal austerity and competitiveness, sending positive messages to investors and to President Donald Trump, who backed him during the campaign. Sustaining this momentum will require significant structural reforms.
Americas Central America
Atlantic Council and DT Institute launch Central America Task Force to accelerate confidence of businesses in the region

Dispatches Jan 20, 2026

What to watch in Guatemala’s year of institutional reset

By Henrique Arevalo Poincot

With several important leadership positions scheduled to see changes, 2026 may be the year that Guatemala takes back its captured institutions.
Central America Corruption
Atlantic Council and DT Institute launch Central America Task Force to accelerate confidence of businesses in the region

New Atlanticist Dec 3, 2025

Is Costa Rica in a political crisis?  

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

The country finds itself in an exceptional—yet constitutionally permitted—confrontation between its executive branch and its independent electoral authority.
Central America Elections

Events

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
Online Event Tue, December 2, 2025 • 9:30 am ET

What to know after Hondurans cast their vote
Americas Central America Elections Latin America

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.

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Content

Press Release

Jan 26, 2023

Atlantic Council and DT Institute launch Central America Task Force to accelerate confidence of businesses in the region

The Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center (AALAC) and DT Institute convened on January 25th a new Central America Task Force (CATF). Over the next 10 months, the task force will devise action-oriented, locally driven policy recommendations for anti-corruption efforts to unlock economic opportunities and investment. These recommendations will be captured in three country-specific […]

Central America Latin America

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Jan 21, 2023

Aviso LatAm: January 21, 2023

Protests in Peru descend into capital city Lima

Brazil Caribbean

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Jan 7, 2023

Aviso LatAm: January 7, 2022

Lula's return to power

Brazil Caribbean

New Atlanticist

Jan 5, 2023

Biden just tightened US migration policy. Can he calm the surge at the border?

By Atlantic Council experts

We asked our experts what’s behind the policy shifts from the White House and what happens next.

Americas Central America

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Dec 17, 2022

Aviso LatAm: December 17, 2022

Peru's president ousted after attempt to dissolve Congress

Brazil Caribbean

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Dec 3, 2022

Aviso LatAm: December 3, 2022

Latin America and the Caribbean's stagnation is 'worse than the 1980s'

Brazil Caribbean

Aviso LatAm: COVID-19

Oct 30, 2022

Aviso LatAm: October 30, 2022

57 percent of the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean are food insecure

Brazil Caribbean

In the News

Jun 16, 2022

Lipsky cited in Politico on the IMF’s concerns regarding cryptocurrency

Read the full article here.

Americas Central America

In the News

Jun 16, 2022

CBDC tracker cited in RTVE on how CBDCs open possibilities for the future of money

Read the full article here.

Central America Digital Currencies

New Atlanticist

Jan 26, 2022

Can Honduras’ new leader spark hope for the troubled Northern Triangle?

By Jason Marczak

Xiomara Castro faces the daunting challenge of helping to reverse the root causes of outward migration from the region.

Central America Corruption
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Experts

Advisory Council member

Mary Ann Walker

Managing Partner, WH Legal Group

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Central America English