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
Biden reinstates sanctions on Venezuela
Ryan C. Berg in NPR — April 18, 2024
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
Will Biden reimpose sanctions on Venezuela? U.S. predental election muddles decisions
Ryan C. Berg in Miami Herald — April 16, 2024
Biden has to decide soon whether to sanction Venezuela. Here's what to know
Ryan C. Berg in NPR — 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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EU-Mercosur: So Much More Than a Dead Deal
Commentary by Lauri Tähtinen — March 26, 2024
Digital Report Launch: Tracking Transatlantic Drug Flows through the Caribbean to Europe
Event — September 19, 2023
Building Barriers and Bridges: The Need for International Cooperation to Counter the Caribbean-Europe Drug Trade
Report by Christopher Hernandez-Roy and Rubi Bledsoe — July 14, 2023
Avoiding Disaster—A Narrowing Path Forward in Haiti
Commentary by Georges A. Fauriol — August 31, 2022
The Future of U.S.-Brazil Security Cooperation: Opportunities Presented by Brazil’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status
Report by Ryan C. Berg, Clara Sophie Cramer, Maxwell Kushnir, Emily Santor, Otto Svendsen, and Likai Zhao — July 15, 2022
The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend
Podcast Episode by Mariana Campero — March 8, 2022
Advocates for Democracy in Closed Spaces
Event — December 6, 2021
Online Event: Analyzing the Role of the European Union in Venezuela
Event — November 9, 2020
Online Event: Prospects for the Global Cultural Creative Economy
Event — September 17, 2020
Why Does U.S.-Brazil Defense Cooperation Matter?
Critical Questions by Carl Meacham — December 1, 2015