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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Featured Analysis

Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images

Mining for Defense: Unlocking the Potential for U.S.-Canada Collaboration on Critical Minerals

CSIS Americas Deputy Director and Senior Fellow Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Henry Ziemer, and Alejandra Toro analyze the potential for closer U.S.-Canada cooperation on the critical minerals that underpin both countries' defense industrial bases.

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Brief by Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Henry Ziemer, and Alejandra Toro — February 18, 2025

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Diminishing Mexican Immigration to the United States

As the U.S. House of Representatives begins to debate the merits of comprehensive immigration reform, changes in the nature of U.S.-Mexican migration call for new thinking in its management. 

Event — July 17, 2013

Diminishing Mexican Immigration to the United States

This report examines the fundamental link between Mexico’s economic performance and migration to the United States, with a particular focus on the post-NAFTA time period.

Report by Michael Graybeal and Carl Meacham — July 17, 2013

The Pacific Alliance: An Example of Lessons Learned

With many economies in the industrialized world struggling since the 2008-09 global recession, many countries in the European Union continue to post negative growth rates, while U.S. growth remains sluggish.

Report by Carlo Dade and Carl Meacham — July 11, 2013

A Conversation with Marco Enríquez-Ominami

With campaigning for Chile's November presidential election underway, the CSIS Americas Program is pleased to welcome Marco Enríquez-Ominami, founder of Chile's Progressive Party, for a wide-ranging discussion on Chile's progress and the challenges the nation confronts.

Event — June 27, 2013