Latin America

Latin America

Latin America’s middle class has doubled, the region has awoken to the fight against corruption, economies have begun to diversify, and democratic institutions have largely taken hold. A key partner for the United States, Europe, and other corners of the globe, Latin America is an influential actor in the new global order and is prepared to address future challenges on a regional and international level.

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Recent analysis

What new tariffs would mean for US-Brazil trade

Dispatches Mar 12, 2026

To succeed, Trump’s Shield of the Americas should focus on institutions as well as cartels

By Henrique Arevalo Poincot

The strongest defense is a hemisphere where institutions are resilient enough to resist and dismantle criminal networks.
Americas Central America
What new tariffs would mean for US-Brazil trade

Dispatches Mar 2, 2026

Decapitation strikes are not enough to take on Mexico’s cartels. Here’s what else the US should do.

By Charlotte Bertrand

Strikes on cartels should be combined with greater efforts to disrupt supply and reduce substance use disorder in the United States.
Latin America Mexico
What new tariffs would mean for US-Brazil trade

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

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

Dispatches

Jul 9, 2026

What new tariffs would mean for US-Brazil trade

By Valentina Sader, Ignacio Albe

The US is proposing a new 25 percent tariff on various Brazilian products. That's only the latest development in what has been a very up-and-down year for US-Brazil trade.

Brazil Trade and tariffs

Dispatches

Jul 9, 2026

The collapse of Cuba’s state-run economy is years in the making

By Jason Marczak, María Fernanda Bozmoski, Ignacio Albe

Six charts reveal the extent of the Caribbean island’s economic fall under the communist regime.

Cuba Economy & Business

Dispatches

Jun 30, 2026

What’s at stake in the USMCA review is a stronger, safer, and more prosperous North America

By Antonio Ortiz-Mena

As US, Canadian, and Mexican officials meet to review the trilateral trade pact, more is on the line than simply tariff rates and rules of origin.

Economy & Business Mexico

Issue Brief

Jun 26, 2026

Lessons for Africa from Brazil on becoming more resilient to climate disasters

By Eduardo A. Haddad, José Marengo, Regina Alvalá, and Tércio Ambrizzi

The growing economic and social impacts of natural disasters highlight the need for stronger disaster risk governance across many African countries. Brazil's disaster monitoring and early-warning system offers a model.

Africa Brazil

Issue Brief

Jun 24, 2026

Harmonizing USMCA: Enhancing customs to facilitate US-Mexico competitiveness

By the Binational Task Force on Economic Security and Competitiveness

With the 2026 USMCA review underway, negotiating authorities should focus on strengthening the mechanisms that promote trade facilitation: customs.

Economy & Business Latin America

Dispatches

Jun 22, 2026

Experts react: What a President Abelardo de la Espriella means for Colombia and beyond

By Atlantic Council experts

The right-wing candidate has emerged as the winner of Colombia’s runoff election for president, marking an important break with the outgoing administration.

Colombia Elections

Dispatches

Jun 18, 2026

Chile’s new president must move fast on a healthy aging agenda. Here are five ways to start.

By Maite Latorre Yerou, Vijeth Iyengar, Octavio Vergara

Chile’s new president has an opportunity to grow the economy and support its older population, including by clearing health care waiting lists and formalizing older workers.

Economy & Business Latin America

Dispatches

Jun 17, 2026

The recent US-Venezuelan strike on Tren de Aragua’s leader will reverberate across Latin America

By Henry Shuldiner

The June 12 operation that killed the leader of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua sets a new precedent for cooperation with the United States.

Financial Crimes & Illicit Trade Latin America

Dispatches

Jun 16, 2026

A razor-thin victory, a divided nation: What awaits Peru’s next president?

By Atlantic Council experts

As the final votes are counted, Keiko Fujimori is projected to be elected Peru’s next president. What will her presidency mean for the country and region?

Elections Latin America

Issue Brief

Jun 15, 2026

Updating the Democratic Transition Framework to chart a way forward in Venezuela

By Geoff Ramsey

To seize the opportunity for a democratic transition in Venezuela in the wake of Nicolás Maduro's January capture, the United States should update a power-sharing framework proposed in 2020 to serve as a road map for the restoration of Venezuela’s democratic institutions.

Americas Democratic Transitions
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Experts

Staff

Ignacio Albe

Assistant Director

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Argentina Latin America

Millennium fellow

Iliyana Arnaudova

Clean Energy Finance Manager, C40

Millennium Leadership Program

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action
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

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Stephanie Ávalos

Deputy Director, Development and External Affairs

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Latin America Spanish
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Events

Public Event Tue, July 14, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

Colombia’s government transition and the priorities ahead
Colombia Economy & Business Latin America Politics & Diplomacy
Online Event Wed, July 22, 2026 • 4:00 pm ET

Expanding US investment in the Western Hemisphere
Americas Economy & Business Latin America