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:
- The authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba as well as democratic backsliding in other countries as a driver of regional instability.
- Economic development, strengthening supply chains, forging closer trade linkages between the United States and the region, and nearshoring critical industries.
- 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.
- Security, especially transnational criminal organizations and illicit economies, particularly in Mexico, the Northern Triangle, and Colombia.
- Governance challenges and their effects, including weak rule of law, endemic corruption, migration, inequality, and human rights violations.
- Civil-military relations and defense cooperation.
Contact Information
- Henry Ziemer
- Research Associate, Americas Program
- 202.775.3244
- HZiemer@csis.org
Featured Analysis
Exporting Autocracy
CSIS Americas director Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer analyze China's role in democratic backsliding across Latin America and the Caribbean and outline a series of recommendations for the United States to advance a democracy-first strategy in the hemisphere.
Report by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — February 15, 2024
Featured Event
North American Economic Security in an Era of Geopolitical Uncertainty
In the News
U.S. reinstates Venezuelan oil ban: Here’s what to know
Ryan C. Berg in CNBC — April 18, 2024
U.S. reinstates Venezuelan oil ban: Here’s what to know
Ryan C. Berg in CNBC — April 18, 2024
Biden reinstates sanctions on Venezuela
Ryan C. Berg in NPR — April 18, 2024
Biden has to decide soon whether to sanction Venezuela. Here's what to know
Ryan C. Berg in NPR — April 16, 2024
Will Biden reimpose sanctions on Venezuela? U.S. predental election muddles decisions
Ryan C. Berg in Miami Herald — April 16, 2024
Stakes look low in Washington’s Venezuela dilemma
Ryan C. Berg in Argus Media — April 15, 2024
U.S. could reimpose sanctions on Venezuela if it does not comply with its demands
Ryan C. Berg in NPR — April 14, 2024
U.S. could reimpose sanctions on Venezuela if it does not comply with its demands
Ryan C. Berg in NPR — April 14, 2024
All Americas Program Content
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“Exporting Autocracy: China’s Role in Democratic Backsliding in Latin America and the Caribbean”: Audio Brief with Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — February 15, 2024
Exporting Autocracy
Report by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — February 15, 2024
“Paper Tiger or Pacing Threat”: Audio Brief with Ryan Berg
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — October 31, 2023
Paper Tiger or Pacing Threat?
Report by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — October 19, 2023
Building the North American Semiconductor Corridor
Event — June 22, 2023
2022 Washington Humanitarian Forum: Closing the Gap
Event — November 9, 2022
What Do the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s Recent Forays outside of Asia Mean?
Commentary by Pedro Allende — October 28, 2022
Nicaragua: Dictatorship and Collaboration with Extra-Hemispheric U.S. Rivals
Commentary by Evan Ellis — August 29, 2022
Advocates for Democracy in Closed Spaces
Event — December 6, 2021
Panama’s Maritime Business and the Evolving Strategic Landscape
Commentary by Evan Ellis and Eddie Tapiero — November 3, 2021