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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Projects

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

See all analysis on Americas Program

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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Responses to the Challenges Faced by Women Migrants in the Northern Triangle

Please join Ryan C. Berg of the CSIS Americas Program for a virtual conversation on the security, economic, and social factors that impact the migration of women from the Northern Triangle.

Event by Ryan C. Berg , Timothy T.Y. Hsiang , Ana Leticia Aguilar Theissen , Rachel Schmidtke , and Diane Carazas — May 4, 2022

Photo: GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images
35 West

Best of 35 West: Forced Labor & Environmental Degradation in the Mining Industry

Special re-release: In this special Spanish-language episode, Margarita sits down with Pilar Velasquez of the Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor, and Human Trafficking in the Bureau of International Labor Affairs at the United States Department of Labor (USDOL).

Podcast Episode by Margarita R. Seminario — April 28, 2022

CSIS 35 West

The Caribbean in the Crossfire

CSIS Americas senior associate Evan Ellis discusses the strategic importance of the Caribbean Basin and outlines policy recommendations for the United States to engage with the region at a time of renewed international competition.

Report by Evan Ellis — April 27, 2022

Photo: YAMIL LAGE/AFP via Getty Images

Brazil’s Economic Future in Times of Change

Please join Daniel F. Runde, CSIS William A. Schreyer Chair and Director of the Americas Program, for a virtual armchair discussion with H.E. Paulo Guedes, Minister of the Economy of Brazil.

Event by Daniel F. Runde and H.E. Paulo Guedes — April 19, 2022

Photo: MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP/Getty Images
Mexico Matters

Mexico Debuts as a Unicorn Maker

 Mariana Campero talks to Luis Cervantes, Adolfo Babats, and Ricardo Amper about the opportunity that investors have identified in Mexico and Latin America.

Podcast Episode by Mariana Campero — April 14, 2022

CSIS Mexico Matters
35 West

El Futuro del Chavismo en Venezuela / The Future of Chavismo in Venezuela

En este episodio especial en español Ryan C. Berg se sienta a conversar con Indira Urbaneja, analista política y la CEO de Reunificados, una organización venezolana sin fines de lucro que apoyo democracia, inclusión, y derechos humanos.

Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — April 14, 2022

CSIS 35 West
35 West

The PCA: Turning the Tide and Moving the Needle

Margarita R. Seminario sits down with Mark Lopes, Chief Operating Officer of the Partnership for Central America, to discuss the vision behind the PCA, its current projects in the region, and work on gender and inclusion.

Podcast Episode by Margarita R. Seminario — March 31, 2022

CSIS 35 West

Dancing with the Dictator in Caracas

CSIS Americas Senior Fellow Ryan C. Berg analyzes the strategic flaws of U.S. overtures to the Maduro regime, and the dangers of trading one dictator for another.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — March 22, 2022

Photo: FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images