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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Brazil’s Presidential Elections: Perspectives from U.S. Ambassadors
Event by Ryan C. Berg , Liliana Ayalde , Todd Chapman , and P. Michael McKinley — October 17, 2022

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

Engines of Prosperity: The Promise of the Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDEs) in Honduras
Report by Ryan C. Berg and Matthew Carusi — October 17, 2022

Revisiting Counter-Narcotics Policy in the Western Hemisphere
Event by Daniel F. Runde , Earl Anthony Wayne , Ambassador Anne Patterson , and Admiral Álvaro Echandía Durán — October 11, 2022

O Primeiro Turno das Eleições Brasileiras Traz Questões Complexas / No Easy Answers in Brazil’s First Round Presidential Election
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg and Thiago de Aragão — October 6, 2022

Mapping the Escalation Ladder against the Ortega-Murillo Regime in Nicaragua
Commentary by Daniel F. Runde , Ryan C. Berg , Sofia Williamson-Garcia , and Sophia Skaff — October 3, 2022

Revisiting Counter-Narcotics Policy in the Western Hemisphere
Commentary by Daniel F. Runde — September 27, 2022

The Importance of Democracy Promotion to Great Power Competition in Latin America and the Caribbean
Report by Ryan C. Berg — September 26, 2022


Constitutions, Complications, and Next Steps in Chile
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — September 22, 2022
