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.

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Featured Analysis

Photo by ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP via Getty Images

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

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Featured Event

Video On Demand

Mining, Climate Risks, and the Western Hemisphere

Presented by Americas Program
January 25, 2023 • 10:00 – 11:00 am EST

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The Truth of the Matter

Brazilian Election Preview

CSIS America’s Program director Ryan Berg joins the podcast to discuss the runoff election for the Brazilian presidency.  

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Ryan C. Berg — October 17, 2022

CSIS the truth of the matter

Revisiting Counter-Narcotics Policy in the Western Hemisphere

This event outlined changes in the Western Hemisphere illicit drug landscape, including the rise of fentanyl and synthetics, as well as the enduring challenge of cocaine.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Earl Anthony Wayne , Ambassador Anne Patterson , and Admiral Álvaro Echandía Durán — October 11, 2022

Photo: ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images
Mexico Matters

State Monopolies Go First

We discuss the trade dispute with Mexico over the country’s energy policies which restrict market access and favor two state own enterprises. CFE, the state run utility and Pemex, the oil company.

Podcast Episode by Mariana Campero — September 26, 2022

CSIS Mexico Matters
35 West

Constitutions, Complications, and Next Steps in Chile

On September 4, Chileans took to the polls for a constitutional referendum that saw a highly progressive draft constitution overwhelmingly rejected. In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Patricio Navia, Professor of Liberal Studies at New York University and Professor of Political Science at Universidad Diego Portales in Chile. Together, they unpack why the referendum resulted in a significant win for the "reject" campaign despite high levels of support for a new constitution in general.

Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — September 22, 2022

CSIS 35 West