Recent analysis

China’s latest naval moves in the Western Hemisphere put Brazil in the diplomatic spotlight

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
China’s latest naval moves in the Western Hemisphere put Brazil in the diplomatic spotlight

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
China’s latest naval moves in the Western Hemisphere put Brazil in the diplomatic spotlight

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

Dispatches

Jan 14, 2026

China’s latest naval moves in the Western Hemisphere put Brazil in the diplomatic spotlight

By Thayz Guimarães

The coincidence of US and Chinese maritime visits this month highlights how Brazil is becoming a reluctant arena for competition between Washington and Beijing.

Brazil
Economy & Business

Dispatches

Jan 14, 2026

How the IMF can help Venezuela stabilize its economy

By Martin Mühleisen

The institution can bring financing and technical assistance to a Venezuelan debt restructuring—and in a way the prevents preferential treatment to Chinese creditors.

Economy & Business
International Financial Institutions

Report

Jan 14, 2026

A three-billion-person challenge: The rising global market for financial leaders

By Ruth Goodwin-Groen

Financial-sector policymakers and financial service providers are facing both a real challenge and unique opportunity to drive economic inclusion for about three billion people and spur growth toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Africa
Digital Currencies

Dispatches

Jan 13, 2026

To unlock growth, Argentina should reduce its export taxes

By Ignacio Albe, Achilles Tsirgis

Failing to reduce these taxes further could cost Argentina a sizable share of its export potential and stifle its economic growth.

Argentina
Economy & Business

In the News

Jan 12, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Fox News on Trump Venezuela policy

By Atlantic Council

On January 12, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in a Fox News article titled "Marco Rubio emerges as key Trump power player after Venezuela operation."

Americas
Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Jan 12, 2026

The Venezuela-Iran connection and what Maduro’s capture means for Tehran, explained 

By Joze Pelayo, Kirsten Fontenrose, Ellie Sennett 

Our experts break down Iran’s ties to Venezuela and the impact Maduro’s capture could have on Tehran’s interests in and outside of its own borders. 

Iran
Oil and Gas

In the News

Jan 9, 2026

Guenov on Times Radio about how Venezuela impacts the US-Russia relationship

By Atlantic Council

On January 9, Tressa Guenov, director of operations and programs and senior fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security was interviewed on Times Radio about the US-Russia relationship. She argues that though the Trump National Security Strategy does not name Russia as an adversary, oil tanker seizures demonstrate a harder line from the US against Russia in the Western hemisphere.

Politics & Diplomacy
Russia

Dispatches

Jan 9, 2026

The EU and Mercosur are creating one of the world’s largest free trade areas. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

After twenty five years of negotiations, the free trade deal between European and Latin American countries is moving forward—but with some caveats.

Economy & Business
European Union

Dispatches

Jan 8, 2026

Delcy Rodríguez’s untenable balancing act

By Iria Puyosa

Venezuela’s new acting president must choose between accommodating the Trump administration’s demands and preserving unity among the regime’s Chavista base.

Conflict
Democratic Transitions

Dispatches

Jan 8, 2026

What it takes to revive Venezuela’s oil and gas industry

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

International oil companies are unlikely to make major new investments in Venezuela without greater legal and regulatory certainty.

Latin America
Oil and Gas
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Experts

Fellow

Erin K. McFee

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Latin America National Security

Expert bio

James Story

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

English Latin America

Staff

Isabella Palacios

Program Assistant

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Americas Central America

Advisory Council member

Clifford Sobel

Former United States Ambassador to Brazil

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Brazil Economy & Business

Staff

Charlotte Bertrand

Project Assistant

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Industry

Staff

Camilla Reitherman

Program Assistant

Millennium Leadership Program

Caribbean Civil Society
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Events

Public Event Thu, January 22, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

What to know about the oil sector in post-Maduro Venezuela
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security Latin America
Online Event Fri, January 23, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

The future of US strategic investment in Latin America and the Caribbean
Americas Economy & Business Latin America Macroeconomics