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:

  1. The authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba as well as democratic backsliding in other countries as a driver of regional instability.
  2. Economic development, strengthening supply chains, forging closer trade linkages between the United States and the region, and nearshoring critical industries.
  3. The long-term impact of China’s rise, the continued relevance of Russia and other extra-hemispheric powers, in a region shaped by strategic rivalry.
  4. Security, especially transnational criminal organizations and illicit economies, particularly in Mexico, the Northern Triangle, and Colombia.
  5. Governance challenges and their effects, including weak rule of law, endemic corruption, migration, inequality, and human rights violations.
  6. Civil-military relations and defense cooperation.

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Projects

Featured Analysis

Photo:STR/AFP/Getty Images

Photo:STR/AFP/Getty Images

Paper Tiger or Pacing Threat?

CSIS Americas Director Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer evaluate China's advances in the security and defense sector across Latin America and the Caribbean, and discuss options for U.S. responses.

Report by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — October 19, 2023

See all analysis on Americas Program

Featured Event

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Prospects and Pitfalls for Security Assistance in Haiti

Presented by Americas Program
December 4, 2023 • 8:30 – 10:00 am EST

In the News

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The Last Mile

Please join us for a public discussion that will highlight the progress and prospects for NTD elimination in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Event — May 7, 2013

President Obama's Visit to Mexico and Costa Rica

Join us for a review of President Obama's trip to Mexico and Costa Rica with Ricardo Zuñiga, special assistant to the president and senior director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council.

Event — May 7, 2013

Haiti's Education Sector: What are the Obstacles?

In 2011, Haiti embarked on a five-year plan to reform its education sector. Now at mid-term, that effort is widely believed to have faltered, a victim of Haiti's low absorptive capacity.

Event — April 30, 2013

Canada's Immigration Model: What can be Learned?

The CSIS Americas Program is pleased to welcome Neil Yeates, Deputy Minister for Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  Join us for this timely and informative discussion.

Event — April 30, 2013

Silicon Valley vs. South America

Silicon Valley has long been an important source of dynamism for the U.S. economy. Yet, recent policy trends in the Americas highlight a potential shift and loss of competitiveness for the United States.

Event — April 19, 2013