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

President Alejandro Giammattei: Reactivating Guatemala’s economy post COVID-19

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
President Alejandro Giammattei: Reactivating Guatemala’s economy post COVID-19

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
President Alejandro Giammattei: Reactivating Guatemala’s economy post COVID-19

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

Transcript

May 26, 2020

President Alejandro Giammattei: Reactivating Guatemala’s economy post COVID-19

Atlantic CouncilAdrienne Arsht Latin America CenterLeaders of the Americas Event President Alejandro Giammattei: Reactivating Guatemala’s economy post COVID-19 Speaker:President Alejandro Giammattei,President of Guatemala Introductions by:Jason Marczak,Director, Adrienne Arsht Latin America CenterAtlantic Council Ana PalacioBoard Member, Atlantic Council;Founder, Palacios y Asociados;Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2002-2004), Spain Time: 11:00 a.m. EDTDate: Thursday, May 21, 2020 Transcript […]

Central America Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

May 21, 2020

Guatemalan president criticizes US over lack of COVID-19 assistance

By Larry Luxner

“Guatemala is an ally of the United States, but I don’t believe the US is an ally to Guatemala, because they don’t treat us like one,” he said. “We’ve seen how they’ve assisted other countries with ventilators, and we haven’t even gotten a dime from them—not even one single mask from the United States. We don’t feel appreciated.”

Central America Coronavirus

New Atlanticist

Mar 23, 2020

What Latin American countries are doing to confront coronavirus

By David A. Wemer

As governments in North America, Europe, Asia, and around the world continue to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Latin American leaders are stepping up their efforts as cases are beginning to be documented in their countries. Although the number of cases across the region remains mostly lower than the epicenters in Europe and the United States, “we are not letting our guard down,” El Salvador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Hill Tinoco said on March 23. “No one can guarantee us that it is not going to hit us,” she explained, so every Latin American government is taking the threat seriously.

Central America Colombia

Issue Brief

Jan 13, 2020

Spotlight: Alejandro Giammattei’s first 100 days

By María Fernanda Bozmoski, Domingo Sadurní

Guatemala will begin a new chapter with the presidential inauguration of Alejandro Giammattei Falla. At the center of the incoming pro-business administration: ushering in a new era of economic growth and job creation. With 59 percent of Guatemalans living in poverty, Central America’s largest and most populous country is also one the poorest and most unequal nations in Latin America.

Central America Latin America

New Atlanticist

Oct 25, 2019

Transport infrastructure in southern Mexico and Guatemala: A step toward development

By María Fernanda Pérez Arguello & Pablo Reynoso Brito

Transport infrastructure development in Southern Mexico and Guatemala can boost local economic development and reduce migration by creating local economic opportunities for citizens.

Central America Mexico

Issue Brief

Aug 7, 2019

Spotlight: President Bukele’s first six months

By María Eugenia Brizuela de Ávila and Domingo Sadurní

As Bukele continues to settle into office, what policies from his proposed Plan Cuscatlán should his administration prioritize?

Central America Elections

New Atlanticist

Jun 12, 2019

US senators warn against tariffs on Mexico

By David A. Wemer

The migrant flow from Central America to the United States is a serious problem that needs to be addressed, but cannot be solved through the use of tariffs, two US senators said at the Atlantic Council on June 12.

Central America Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Jun 4, 2019

Immigration and tariffs: In support of the ongoing US-Mexico border diplomacy

By Earl Anthony Wayne

US-Mexico talks this week can help both countries avoid a costly detour from the joint effort to build North American prosperity and partnership over the past thirty years.

Central America Mexico

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Nov 8, 2018

Violence against women driving migration from the Northern Triangle

By María Fernanda Pérez Arguello and Bryce Couch

To effectively address migration from the Northern Triangle, states must better understand how it is driven by sexual and gender-based violence.

Central America Latin America

New Atlanticist

Nov 1, 2018

John Bolton takes Latin American ‘troika of tyranny’ to task

By David A. Wemer

“John Bolton made it clear today where the administration is headed on Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua,” Jason Marczak, director of the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, said.

Central America Cuba
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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
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