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:
- Regional security, particularly in Mexico, the Northern Triangle, Colombia, and the impact of the Venezuelan crisis on the region.
- The long-term impact of China’s rise and great-power rivalry in the Americas.
- Democratic backsliding and the rise of autocracies.
- The resurgence of transnational criminal organizations, growing illicit economies, and the existence of criminal regimes.
- Weak rule of law, endemic corruption, and human rights violations.
- The emergence of significant regional powers, such as Brazil, in an increasingly multipolar world.
Contact Information
- Henry Ziemer
- Program Coordinator and Research Assistant, Americas Program
- 202.775.3244
- HZiemer@csis.org
Featured Analysis

This Time, Try Supporting Honduran Democracy
CSIS Americas senior adviser Mark L. Schneider and Aaron Schneider evaluate critiques of the Zones for Employment and Economic Development in Honduras and argue the country should move away from the zones as a potential model for economic growth.
Commentary by Mark L. Schneider and Aaron Schneider — January 26, 2023
Featured Event
Mining, Climate Risks, and the Western Hemisphere
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Financing Small-Scale Agriculture in Honduras: A Case Study
Report by Ryan C. Berg , Henry Ziemer , and Michael Estopinan — December 7, 2022

Latinos in Florida Have Something to Say
Podcast Episode by Mariana Campero — November 21, 2022

Colombia’s Relationship with the PRC
Report by Evan Ellis — November 10, 2022

2022 Washington Humanitarian Forum: Closing the Gap
Event by Jacob Kurtzer , Kimberly Flowers , Katherine E. Bliss , Jon B. Alterman , Marti Flacks , Mvemba Phezo Dizolele , Beza Tesfaye , Natasha Hall , and Hadeil Ali — November 9, 2022

Politics and the Private Sector: How the Latin American Business Community Confronts Today’s Challenges
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg and Juan Carlos Pinzón — November 3, 2022

What Do the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s Recent Forays outside of Asia Mean?
Commentary by Pedro Allende — October 28, 2022


Brazil: Five Phenomena and Three Scenarios
Report by Lauri Tähtinen — October 25, 2022

Defending Media Integrity in the Americas
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — October 20, 2022

Brazil’s Presidential Elections: Perspectives from U.S. Ambassadors
Transcript by Ryan C. Berg , Liliana Ayalde , Todd Chapman , and P. Michael McKinley — October 18, 2022
