Lauri Tähtinen is a non-resident senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Dr. Tähtinen has advised leaders in both public and private sectors on geopolitics, technology, and strategy. He has lectured at the U.S. Foreign Service Institute for diplomats preparing for postings in South America and has supported U.S. defense assessments. His commentary has appeared in Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, and other leading publications. Dr. Tähtinen’s academic background spans history, international law, and political economy. He has held teaching and research appointments at the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, Brown University, the University of Helsinki, and the European University Institute in Florence. His doctoral research at Cambridge examined the intellectual and political history of Brazil. He holds a PhD in history from the University of Cambridge, an MA in theological studies from Harvard University, and a BSc in international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Most recently, he completed an LLB at the University of London. Dr. Tähtinen is fluent in Portuguese and Finnish and has working knowledge of Spanish, Swedish, and French.

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35 West

EU-MERCOSUR, Better Late than Never?

In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Lauri Tähtinen, a non-resident senior associate with CSIS, to discuss the trade agreement between the European Union and Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg and Lauri Tähtinen — January 9, 2025

CSIS 35 West

EU-Mercosur: So Much More Than a Dead Deal

CSIS Americas senior associate Lauri Tahtinen assesses the state of Mercosur and argues that, if finalized and ratified, Mercosur is a starting point from which to build prosperity in the region.  

Commentary by Lauri Tähtinen — March 26, 2024

A Specter Haunting Latin American Mining? Not So Fast

Senior Associate Lauri Tähtinen and Henry Ziemer explore the recent wave of attention on resource nationalization in Latin America and seek to separate good faith national mining strategies from efforts to consolidate more autocratic control under the premise of resource sovereignty.

Commentary by Lauri Tähtinen and Henry Ziemer — August 9, 2023

Brazil: Five Phenomena and Three Scenarios

CSIS Americas senior associate Lauri Tähtinen examines trendlines and likely scenarios for the outcome of Brazil's runoff presidential election on October 30.

Report by Lauri Tähtinen — October 25, 2022

Press Briefing: Previewing Brazil's General Election

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. ET, will host a press briefing previewing the Brazilian general election on October 2.

Event — September 28, 2022