Recent analysis

Dispatch from Bogotá: This September is a pivotal moment for US-Colombia relations

Issue Brief Nov 19, 2025

Why modernizing CAFTA-DR matters for the United States, and options for updating the trade pact

By Enrique Millán-Mejía, Antonio Ortiz Mena, and Rocío Rivera Barradas

Central America and the Dominican Republic are emerging as key partners for US economic security. The United States has a unique opportunity to reform its free trade agreement with the region—CAFTA-DR—to strengthen these ties.
Americas Economy & Business
Dispatch from Bogotá: This September is a pivotal moment for US-Colombia relations

New Atlanticist Nov 6, 2025

The expert conversation: What’s Trump’s endgame in Venezuela?

By Matthew Kroenig, Jason Marczak

We spoke to Matthew Kroenig and Jason Marczak to shed light on the US campaign of attacks on alleged drug boats and lay out what’s next.
Conflict Human Rights
Dispatch from Bogotá: This September is a pivotal moment for US-Colombia relations

New Atlanticist Nov 17, 2025

Chile’s next president will either be from the far right or the far left. Washington should watch closely.

By Maite Gonzalez Latorre

Either José Antonio Kast or Jeanette Jara will be Chile’s next president. The country is headed for a change no matter who wins.
Economy & Business 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.

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Content

New Atlanticist

Sep 2, 2025

Dispatch from Bogotá: This September is a pivotal moment for US-Colombia relations

By Geoff Ramsey, Isabella Palacios

In the coming days, the White House has to decide whether to certify Colombia as a partner in the fight against transnational drug trafficking.

Colombia
Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Sep 2, 2025

Take Colombia’s risk of democratic backsliding under Petro seriously

By Enrique Millán-Mejía, Geoff Ramsey

Recent statements and proposals from Colombian President Gustavo Petro have raised concerns that his administration could spark a constitutional crisis.

Colombia
Economy & Business

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

Issue Brief

Aug 20, 2025

Why the rule of law is the key to prosperity: Lessons from thirty years of data 

By Annie (Yu-Lin) Lee, Joseph Lemoine

Thirty years of global data point to one conclusion: the rule of law is the most important driver of prosperity. Strong legal systems foster trust, investment, and stability. Where laws are predictable and applied equally, societies thrive; where they weaken, reforms falter and prosperity stalls.

Africa
Freedom and Prosperity

New Atlanticist

Aug 15, 2025

A milestone on Argentina’s long road to recovery

By Jason Marczak, Ignacio Albe

The International Monetary Fund recently completed the first review of Argentina’s Extended Fund Facility signed in April. The result was positive, reflecting the country’s larger economic trajectory under President Javier Milei.

Argentina
Economy & Business

New Atlanticist

Aug 7, 2025

Five charts that show how criminal organizations in Colombia work—and grow

By Aaron Kolleda and Isabel Chiriboga

Our experts break down the numbers that show the reach, power, and influence of drug cartels and other transnational criminal organizations.

Americas
Colombia

New Atlanticist

Aug 6, 2025

Trump’s tariffs are giving Lula a boost and shifting Brazil’s geopolitics

By Thayz Guimarães

The tariff saga is not over, but it has already produced some unexpected political and geopolitical consequences for Brazil.

Brazil
China

Issue Brief

Aug 6, 2025

How the US and Colombia can tackle crime, migration, and fallout from Venezuela’s crisis

By Lucie Kneip, Geoff Ramsey

Despite differences in priorities and political approaches, opportunities exist for the US and Colombia to coordinate policy that promotes stability in Venezuela and the broader region.

Colombia
Corruption

Infographic

Aug 1, 2025

Economic pulse of the Americas: How dependent is Latin America on taxes on international trade?

By Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

This infographic explores the fiscal implications of reducing customs revenues, shows which countries are most dependent on trade taxes, and explores what changes to import volumes and related revenues mean for LAC’s economic future.

Americas
Fiscal and Structural Reform

Fast Thinking

Aug 1, 2025

What to watch as Trump ratchets up global tariffs

By Atlantic Council

US President Donald Trump will raise tariffs on nearly every US trading partner. Atlantic Council experts take stock of what this means for the global economy.

Brazil
Economy & Business
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Experts

Fellow

José Manuel Restrepo

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Economy & Business English

European Leadership Accelerator Participant

Jacobo Ramos Folch

Policy Manager, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Europe Economy & Business

Staff

Valeria Villarreal

Assistant Director

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Economy & Business English

Staff

Enrique Millán-Mejía

Senior Fellow, Economic Development

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Americas Colombia

Staff

Ilona Barrero

Project Assistant

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Colombia English

Fellow

Erin K. McFee

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Latin America National Security
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Events

Online Event Mon, January 12, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

2026 in the Americas: Stories that may drive the news
Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Democratic Transitions Latin America
Online Event Wed, January 14, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

The future of EU-Mercosur trade
European Union Latin America Trade and tariffs