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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Responses to the Challenges Faced by Women Migrants in the Northern Triangle
Event by Ryan C. Berg , Timothy T.Y. Hsiang , Ana Leticia Aguilar Theissen , Rachel Schmidtke , and Diane Carazas — May 4, 2022

Best of 35 West: Forced Labor & Environmental Degradation in the Mining Industry
Podcast Episode by Margarita R. Seminario — April 28, 2022

The Caribbean in the Crossfire
Report by Evan Ellis — April 27, 2022

What Are the Zones for Employment and Economic Development in Honduras?
Critical Questions by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — April 27, 2022

Parsing Fact and Fiction in the Maduro Regime’s Narrative of Economic Recovery
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — April 22, 2022

Brazil’s Economic Future in Times of Change
Event by Daniel F. Runde and H.E. Paulo Guedes — April 19, 2022


El Futuro del Chavismo en Venezuela / The Future of Chavismo in Venezuela
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — April 14, 2022

The PCA: Turning the Tide and Moving the Needle
Podcast Episode by Margarita R. Seminario — March 31, 2022

Dancing with the Dictator in Caracas
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — March 22, 2022
