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
Report Launch: China’s Role in Democratic Backsliding in Latin America and the Caribbean
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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A New Security Paradigm in Colombia
Commentary by Juliana Rubio — January 31, 2024
El Salvador’s 2024 Elections: Voting in a One-Party State?
Event — January 29, 2024
Prospects and Pitfalls for Security Assistance in Haiti
Event — December 4, 2023
Haitians Are Central to Ending Their Country's Crisis, But They Cannot Do It Alone
Commentary by Mark L. Schneider — August 11, 2023
After AMLO: The Economic, Security, and Political Outlook for Mexico in 2024
Report by Ryan C. Berg, Sara Fattori, and Henry Ziemer — July 18, 2023
More Policy Avenues to Fight Fentanyl
Commentary by Annie Pforzheimer — July 17, 2023
Public Safety in Haiti: Now and Tomorrow
Event — June 8, 2023
Constraining States of Exception
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — June 8, 2023
Paralysis: The International Community’s Response to the Crisis in Haiti
Commentary by Georges A. Fauriol — April 13, 2023
U.S.-Mexico Relations: How to Get Serious about Fentanyl
Commentary by Kimberly Breier — April 5, 2023