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: ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images

Prosperity Must Be a Cornerstone of Fostering Honduran Democracy

CSIS Americas director Ryan C. Berg responds to criticisms of the Zones for Employment and Economic Development in Honduras, and argues they represent an important mechanism for economic growth and nearshoring.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — January 26, 2023

See all analysis on Americas Program

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Mining, Climate Risks, and the Western Hemisphere

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

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Three Things That Won't Be Talked about Enough at the Summit of the Americas

CSIS Americas Program experts Juan Cruz, Francisco de Santibañes, and Henry Ziemer discuss prospects for the 2022 Summit of the Americas and highlight three issues that deserve a closer look at the summit and in its aftermath.

Commentary by Juan Cruz , Henry Ziemer , and Francisco de Santibañes — May 31, 2022

Photo: LUKA GONZALES/AFP/Getty Images

USAID MujerProspera / WomanProsper Winners Announcement Event: “Advancing Gender Equality in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras”

Please join U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power, for a virtual event featuring the winners of the MujerProspera Challenge, a regional cohort promoting women’s equity in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Event by Ryan C. Berg , Samantha Power , Jamille Bigio , Maria Nelly Rivas , Michael Camilleri , Denisse McClean Rodriguez , Ana Landa , and Mirna Regina Valiente — May 26, 2022

Photo: ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images
35 West

A Regional View on the Summit of the Americas

The upcoming Summit of the Americas ought to be an important venue for the United States and the region to align responses to shared challenges and strengthen hemispheric cooperation. Nevertheless, the summit is already struggling to live up to this potential, facing criticism that the current agenda downplays the concerns voiced by the region, as well as recent threats by several countries including Mexico, Bolivia, and Honduras to boycott the event.

Podcast Episode by Juan Cruz — May 26, 2022

CSIS 35 West

The Return to Mexico

CSIS senior associate Antonio de la Cruz evaluates the prospects for the resumed round of negotiations between the Maduro regime and opposition Unitary Platform.

Commentary by Antonio De La Cruz — May 18, 2022

Photo: CLAUDIO CRUZ/AFP/Getty Images

What Lies Ahead for the Zones for Employment and Economic Development in Honduras?

Please join Ryan Berg, Senior Fellow, of the CSIS Americas Program for a virtual discussion about the future of the Zones for Employment and Economic Development (Zonas de Empleo y Desarollo Económico in Spanish, or ZEDEs) in Honduras.

Event by Ryan C. Berg , Dr. Riddhi "Sohan" Dasgupta , Kathia Yacamán , and Welby Leaman — May 16, 2022

Photo: ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images
35 West

Sharpening the Democratic Playbook

In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Christopher Sabatini, Senior Research Fellow for Latin America, the US and the Americas Programme at Chatham House. Together, they outline what the international community can do to push back on rising authoritarianism, and empower democracy defenders.

Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — May 12, 2022

CSIS 35 West
35 West

The Future of the Zones for Employment and Economic Development in Honduras

In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Matthew Rooney, Director of Outreach and Strategic Partnerships at the George W. Bush Center. Together, they discuss expectations for the ZEDE model and its impact on economic growth, as well as some of the obstacles the zones confront when it comes to political stability and change.

Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — May 5, 2022

CSIS 35 West