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

Using the USMCA review to strengthen regional integration

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
Using the USMCA review to strengthen regional integration

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
Using the USMCA review to strengthen regional integration

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

Issue Brief

Apr 20, 2026

Using the USMCA review to strengthen regional integration

By the Binational Task Force on Economic Security and Competitiveness

As economic and trade authorities across Mexico and the United States engage in the July 2026 USMCA review, adapting to new geopolitical realities without reversing binational economic integration should be a priority.

Americas Economy & Business

Strategic Insights Memo

Apr 20, 2026

A US tech agenda focused on Latin America to outcompete the People’s Republic of 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

In the News

Apr 15, 2026

Bertrand featured in Latinvex on decapitation strikes in Mexico

By Atlantic Council

On March 12, Charlotte Bertrand, project assistant with the GeoStrategy Initiative, was republished in Latinvex on the efficacy of decapitation strikes in Mexico.

Mexico Security & Defense

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

Apr 7, 2026

Why Peru’s upcoming election matters for US strategy in Latin America

By Martin Cassinelli

Peru’s election will determine who governs next. But for the US, the more important question is whether Peru can rebuild its governing institutions.

Elections Latin America

Issue Brief

Apr 6, 2026

From alignment to action: Building a durable US-Argentina critical minerals partnership

By Reed Blakemore, Alexis Harmon, Ignacio Albe

For decades, Argentina's mining potential has been widely recognized without translating into reliable supply. That pattern might be breaking, and deeper US–Argentina cooperation could accelerate development while advancing shared economic and strategic priorities.

Argentina Critical Minerals

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Mar 30, 2026

How the Dominican Republic can escape the ‘middle-income trap’

By Marino Auffant

Over three decades, the Dominican Republic has consolidated stable electoral competition and built a diversified, open economy delivering the fastest GDP growth in Latin America. To escape the middle-income trap, the country must now confront deferred structural reforms—especially in education, institutional effectiveness, and fiscal capacity—turning stability into sustained convergence.

Fiscal and Structural Reform Latin America

Issue Brief

Mar 26, 2026

After Maduro: Latin America’s policy community reassesses the US-China balance

By Santiago Villa, Thayz Guimarães, Parsifal D’Sola

The US capture of Maduro has significant implications for China’s position in the region. Although Venezuela has been a frustrating partner for China, Beijing has repeatedly stressed its commitment to the bilateral relationship.

China Latin America

In the News

Mar 26, 2026

Kroenig published in The Wall Street Journal on rogue states

By Atlantic Council

On March 25, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was published in The Wall Street Journal on the Trump administration eliminating rogue states.

Cuba Iran

Dispatches

Mar 24, 2026

Will Trump focus on Nicaragua next after Venezuela and Cuba?

By María Fernanda Bozmoski

If it wants to help foster a more economically integrated Central America, the United States will need to address Nicaragua’s authoritarianism and transnational repression.

Central America Democratic Transitions
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Experts

Staff

Ignacio Albe

Assistant Director

Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center

Brazil French

Fellow

Henrique Arevalo Poincot

Visiting Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Elections 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
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Events

Public Event Tue, April 28, 2026 • 3:00 pm ET

Reporters at risk: What the future holds for the press in Venezuela after Maduro
Americas Latin America Resilience Resilience & Society