Dr. Evan Ellis is a research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, with a focus on the region’s relationships with China and other non-Western Hemisphere actors as well as transnational organized crime and populism in the region. Dr. Ellis previously served as on the secretary of state’s policy planning staff with responsibility for Latin America and the Caribbean as well as international narcotics and law enforcement issues. In his academic capacity, Dr. Ellis presented his work in a broad range of business and government forums in 27 countries on four continents. He has given testimony on Latin American security issues to the U.S. Congress on various occasions, has discussed his work regarding China and other external actors in Latin America on a broad range of radio and television programs, and is cited regularly in the print media in both the United States and Latin America for his work in this area. Dr. Ellis has also been awarded the Order of Military Merit José María Córdova by the Colombian government for his scholarship on security issues in the region.

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Leveraging Latin America’s Embrace of the United States

Americas Program Senior Associate Evan Ellis argues that the widespread U.S.-friendly disposition of Latin America and the Caribbean creates unique opportunities for the United States in economic, security and other domains.

Commentary by Evan Ellis — November 4, 2025

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Leveraging Latin America’s Embrace of the United States

An audio version of “⁠Leveraging Latin America’s Embrace of the United States⁠,” a new Commentary by CSIS’s Evan Ellis. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Evan Ellis — November 4, 2025

Audio Briefs
Audio Briefs

China’s Advance in Colombia in the Time of Gustavo Petro

An audio version of “⁠China’s Advance in Colombia in the Time of Gustavo Petro⁠,” a new Commentary by CSIS’s Evan Ellis. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Evan Ellis — June 10, 2025

Audio Briefs

China’s Advance in Colombia in the Time of Gustavo Petro

CSIS Americas Senior Associate Evan Ellis provides an overview of China’s cooperation with Colombia under President Petro in the areas of commercial relations, infrastructure development, and diplomacy.

Commentary by Evan Ellis — June 10, 2025

The Evolution of Chinese Engagement with the Dominican Republic

CSIS Americas senior associate Evan Ellis evaluates PRC involvement in the Dominican Republic under the Abinader administration with a particular emphasis on diplomacy, trade, mining, organized crime, and security cooperation.

Commentary by Evan Ellis — October 31, 2023