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 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
Mexico will elect its first female president — but which one?
Ryan C. Berg in The Hill — April 9, 2024
All Americas Program Content
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Preparing for Deterioration of the Latin America and Caribbean Strategic Environment
Report by Evan Ellis — January 14, 2022
The Road to the 2022 Summit of the Americas: Vaccine Diplomacy and Engagement
Event — December 14, 2021
China and El Salvador: An Update
Report by Evan Ellis — March 22, 2021
Online Event: Prospects for the Global Cultural Creative Economy
Event — September 17, 2020
Could the Pandemic Response be a Starting Point for a More Engaged Security Strategy in the Northern Triangle?
Commentary by Linnea Sandin and Benjamin Topa — August 18, 2020
Venezuela: Pandemic and Foreign Intervention in a Collapsing Narcostate
Report by Evan Ellis — August 5, 2020
Online Event: Understanding the Role of the United Nations in Venezuela
Event — August 3, 2020
Online Event: Japan’s Response to Covid-19 and Potential Lessons Learned for Latin America
Event — July 7, 2020
Trump Administration Cripples Latin America’s Ability to Fight Covid-19
Commentary by Mark L. Schneider — July 2, 2020
The Covid-19 Pandemic Threatens Mexico’s Economy
Commentary by Linnea Sandin — June 17, 2020