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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The Sustainable Development Goals and Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for U.S. Policy
Congressional Testimony by Daniel F. Runde — September 15, 2022

The Terms of Engagement for China in Latin America and the Caribbean
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — September 8, 2022

Spectrum Fees: One of Mexico’s Greatest Obstacles to a More Competitive Telecommunications Sector
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Andrew Sady-Kennedy — September 7, 2022

Religious Persecution and the Closing of Civic Space in Nicaragua
Event by Daniel F. Runde , Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio , Jared Genser , Deborah Ullmer , Humberto Belli , and John Feeley — September 2, 2022

Avoiding Disaster—A Narrowing Path Forward in Haiti
Commentary by Georges A. Fauriol — August 31, 2022

Nicaragua: Dictatorship and Collaboration with Extra-Hemispheric U.S. Rivals
Commentary by Evan Ellis — August 29, 2022

Sharpening the Democracy Playbook: A Practical Approach for Venezuela
Event by Ryan C. Berg , Christopher Sabatini , José Ignacio Hernandez , and Alexandra Winkler — August 25, 2022


Redefining Cybersecurity as International Security, Not Just National Security
Commentary by Pedro Allende — August 25, 2022

Venezuela's 2024 Elections: Understanding Participation under Unfree and Unfair Conditions
Brief by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — August 23, 2022
