Americas Program

A leading source of ideas defining the future of national security, analyzing geopolitical trends, and addressing key political, economic, and social challenges facing the region

The Program was established with the clear, forward-looking mission to elevate the policy discussion on the Western Hemisphere. The program aims to influence through timely, practical, and insightful analysis and policy recommendations for partners in the United States and the region.

The Americas Program focuses on six thematic priorities:

  1. The authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba as well as democratic backsliding in other countries as a driver of regional instability.
  2. Economic development, strengthening supply chains, forging closer trade linkages between the United States and the region, and nearshoring critical industries.
  3. The long-term impact of China’s rise, the continued relevance of Russia and other extra-hemispheric powers, in a region shaped by strategic rivalry.
  4. Security, especially transnational criminal organizations and illicit economies, particularly in Mexico, the Northern Triangle, and Colombia.
  5. Governance challenges and their effects, including weak rule of law, endemic corruption, migration, inequality, and human rights violations.
  6. Civil-military relations and defense cooperation.

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Latin American Women and Democracy: Perspectives of Activists in the Region

Join the Americas Program for a hybrid public event on the intersection between democracy and women's rights, the role of women in building democratic and equitable societies, and the systemic violence that they face. 

El Programa sobre las Americas lo invita a participar en un evento público en formato hibrido sobre la intersección entre la democracia y los derechos de las mujeres, el papel de las mujeres en la construcción de sociedades democráticas y equitativas, y la violencia sistémica que enfrentan.

Event by Ryan C. Berg , Tamara Davila , Laritza Diversent , Celia Medrano , and Tamara Taraciuk Broner — June 12, 2023

Public Safety in Haiti: Now and Tomorrow

In this panel, experts will examine the current state of public safety in Haiti, the capabilities and limitations role of the Haitian National Police (HNP), potential Haitian solutions to the issues, and opportunities for external support. 

Event by Erol Yayboke , Ambassador Frederick Barton , Johnny Celestin , Georges A. Fauriol , William O'Neill , Ambassador Susan Page , and Dr. Peterson Thosiac — June 8, 2023

Can North America Become a Semiconductor Powerhouse?

The CSIS Americas Program delves into opportunities and challenges for the semiconductor industry across North America.

Critical Questions by Ryan C. Berg , Christopher Hernandez-Roy , Juliana Rubio , Rubi Bledsoe , and Henry Ziemer — May 23, 2023

35 West

More Than Subs, the Urgency of AUKUS for Canada

AUKUS, the newly-established security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and United States, has made waves of late as a result of its focus on helping Australia operate, acquire, and eventually build its own nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Podcast Episode by Christopher Hernandez-Roy — May 18, 2023

CSIS 35 West

Political Prisoners and the Future of Nicaragua

Join the CSIS Americas Program for a timely and important conversation on political prisoners and the future of Nicaragua.

Event by Christopher Hernandez-Roy , Ryan C. Berg , Jared Genser , Juan Felipe Wills , Juan Sebastián Chamorro , Rosalía Miller , and Félix Maradiaga — May 11, 2023