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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Political Prisoners and the Future of Nicaragua

Presented by Americas Program
May 11, 2023 • 2:00 – 3:30 pm EDT

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35 West

Much Ado About Non-Alignment

Rising geopolitical tensions between the United States, Russia, and China, have prompted some to argue the world is heading towards a polarized and fragmented future, with some countries split into opposing camps between democracies and autocracies and others not wanting to choose sides.

Podcast Episode by Christopher Hernandez-Roy — May 4, 2023

CSIS 35 West

At the 90-Day Mark of PDVSA’s Coronel Tellechea

CSIS senior associate Antonio de la Cruz takes stock of the first 90 days of Colonel Pedro Rafael Tellechea, the newly appointed head of Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA.

Commentary by Antonio De La Cruz — April 27, 2023

Are Petro and Biden Syncing? Key Takeaways from the Bilateral Meeting

The CSIS Americas Program unpacks the recent meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Gustavo Petro, and the key issues that impact the U.S.-Colombia relationship.

Critical Questions by Ryan C. Berg , Christopher Hernandez-Roy , Juliana Rubio , Rubi Bledsoe , and Henry Ziemer — April 26, 2023

35 West

Latin America’s Emergency Contact

Latin American and Caribbean countries face mounting risks from natural disasters, with the region ranking as one of the most climate vulnerable areas in the world. With climate change likely to exacerbate these challenges, developing effective strategies for delivering Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), is of critical importance in the Western Hemisphere.

Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — April 20, 2023

CSIS 35 West

Democracy Dies under Mano Dura: Anti-crime Strategies in the Northern Triangle

CSIS Americas deputy director and senior fellow Christopher Hernandez-Roy and Rubi Bledsoe examine the effects of mano dura (zero tolerance) in the Northern Triangle. They also outline recommendations to counter crime and support democracy and rule of law in the region.

Report by Christopher Hernandez-Roy and Rubi Bledsoe — April 12, 2023

More Than a Symbolic Encounter: Fernández-Biden at the White House

CSIS Americas Program senior associate Ariel González Levaggi article analyzes the recent Fernández-Biden high-level meeting at the White House and discusses the challenges for the upcoming general elections and the bilateral relations in an electoral year.

Commentary by Ariel González Levaggi — April 7, 2023