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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Logros y Limitaciones en el Sector Digital en México / Achievements and Limitations in Mexico's Digital Sector
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — August 11, 2022

Best of 35 West: Sharpening the Democratic Playbook
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — July 28, 2022

Strengthening the Guyana–U.S. Relationship
Event by John J. Hamre , Daniel F. Runde , Mohamed Irfaan Ali , and John B. Hess — July 27, 2022


Ensuring the Biden-Fernández Meeting Matters
Commentary by Juan Cruz and Henry Ziemer — July 22, 2022

Prioritizing Nearshoring by Leveraging Special Economic Zones in Central America
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Matthew Carusi — July 20, 2022

Russia in the Western Hemisphere: Assessing Putin's Malign Influence in Latin America and the Caribbean
Congressional Testimony by Evan Ellis — July 20, 2022

The Future of U.S.-Brazil Security Cooperation: Opportunities Presented by Brazil’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status
Report by Ryan C. Berg , Clara Sophie Cramer , Maxwell Kushnir , Emily Santor , Otto Svendsen , and Likai Zhao — July 15, 2022

The Future of USAID’s Partnership with Colombia
Podcast Episode by Margarita R. Seminario — July 8, 2022

Challenges and Opportunities for the Inter-American Defense Board
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Chris Bernotavicius — July 6, 2022
