Colombia

Colombia

Colombia and the United States have consolidated a close and mutually-beneficial partnership over the past twenty years. Plan Colombia, a bipartisan foreign policy success, laid the foundation for a strategic alliance that has widened to include sustainable development, trade, hemispheric security, and human rights. Today, Colombia is positioning itself as a leader in the region and the world.

Recent analysis

How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

Issue Brief Apr 30, 2026

How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Though Colombia’s recent legislative elections were largely peaceful, the security environment has worsened in recent weeks amid death threats against candidates and escalating violence by armed groups. The upcoming weeks present a narrow, but critical, window to reduce risks ahead of the May 31 presidential election.
Americas Civil Society
How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

Dispatches Feb 23, 2026

Why Colombia’s veterans are going to war in Ukraine

By Erin K. McFee

A lack of economic opportunities and pathways to reintegration is leading Colombian veterans to fight for Ukraine.
Colombia Conflict
How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

Dispatches Feb 5, 2026

How the Trump-Petro meeting could reshape Colombia’s electoral landscape

By Isabella Palacios

Petro’s turn toward engagement with Trump could have a significant impact on Colombia’s upcoming elections and the next president’s relations with Washington.
Colombia Latin America

Events

Public Event Thu, April 30, 2026 • 3:30 pm ET

Senator Ruben Gallego on Colombia’s 2026 elections
Colombia Elections Latin America Politics & Diplomacy
Online Event Fri, June 20, 2025 • 6:30 am ET

Addressing China’s growing influence in Colombia
Colombia Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security Latin America
Online Event Wed, March 26, 2025 • 7:00 am ET

Evaluating the US-Colombia commercial relationship
Colombia Economy & Business Latin America Trade and tariffs

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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Voces de impacto episodes

Voces de impacto: Conversations with US and Colombian leaders and changemakers. Join the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center for dialogues that highlight traditionally underrepresented voices from across Colombian society.

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Content

Issue Brief

Apr 30, 2026

How Colombia can reduce security threats ahead of its presidential election

By the US–Colombia Strategic Alignment Coalition

Though Colombia's recent legislative elections were largely peaceful, the security environment has worsened in recent weeks amid death threats against candidates and escalating violence by armed groups. The upcoming weeks present a narrow, but critical, window to reduce risks ahead of the May 31 presidential election.

Americas Civil Society

Strategic Insights Memo

Apr 20, 2026

A US tech agenda focused on Latin America to outcompete China

By Samantha Wong, Ginger Matchett, Peter Engelke

Insights from on the ground in Colombia, where the United States and China's competition for influence is playing out in the tech sector, among other places. 

Artificial Intelligence China

Dispatches

Apr 12, 2026

Washington needs a ‘Plan Venezuela’ before it’s too late

By James Story and David Bellon

Using Plan Colombia as a model, the United States should commit to a long-term, well-funded effort to bring security to Venezuela.

Colombia Economy & Business

Dispatches

Feb 23, 2026

Why Colombia’s veterans are going to war in Ukraine

By Erin K. McFee

A lack of economic opportunities and pathways to reintegration is leading Colombian veterans to fight for Ukraine.

Colombia Conflict

Dispatches

Feb 5, 2026

How the Trump-Petro meeting could reshape Colombia’s electoral landscape

By Isabella Palacios

Petro’s turn toward engagement with Trump could have a significant impact on Colombia’s upcoming elections and the next president’s relations with Washington.

Colombia Latin America

Dispatches

Feb 2, 2026

To repair US-Colombia ties, Trump and Petro should focus on counternarcotics and Venezuela

By Kevin Whitaker

By focusing on shared interests on counternarcotics and Venezuela, Tuesday's Oval Office meeting between the US and Colombian presidents can put the two nations’ bilateral relations on a better path.

Colombia Crisis Management

Dispatches

Jan 28, 2026

To boost Venezuela’s economic recovery, the US should lean into Colombia

By Enrique Millán-Mejía

With the right safeguards in place, increased US coordination with Colombia can help boost Venezuela’s reconstruction.

Colombia Economy & Business

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Dec 19, 2025

Colombia needs a strong private sector—and renewed government institutions at the helm

By José Manuel Restrepo

Colombia’s institutions brought stability, yet corruption, insecurity, and widespread informality still undermine trust and limit prosperity. Renewed fiscal discipline, stronger territorial governance, and revived institutional dialogue are essential for translating Colombia’s hard-won freedoms into inclusive and enduring growth.

Colombia Energy Transitions

Spotlight

Dec 17, 2025

Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026: Ten defining questions for the year ahead

By the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

A look at the ten defining questions that will shape Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026.

Argentina Brazil

New Atlanticist

Oct 23, 2025

With Petro and Trump at odds, what’s next for the US-Colombia relationship? 

By Jason Marczak

Amid the current US-Colombia tensions, both countries should remind themselves of how important this relationship is for their shared security, economic, and geopolitical goals.

Americas Colombia
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Experts

Ana Arriagada

Staff

Ana Arriagada

Assistant Director, Latin America

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Brazil Civil Society

Fellow

Kyle Atwell

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Colombia

Staff

Ilona Barrero

Program Assistant

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Colombia English

Advisory Council member

Mauricio Cárdenas

Former Minister of Finance; Former Minister of Economic Development, Transport, Planning; Former Minister of Mines and Energy, Colombia

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Colombia Economy & Business

Fellow

Jorge Guzman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Colombia English

Fellow

Sergio Guzmán

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

Americas Caribbean
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Events

Public Event Wed, May 20, 2026 • 12:15 pm ET

Senator Bernie Moreno on Colombia’s 2026 elections
Americas Colombia Elections Latin America