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:
- The authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba as well as democratic backsliding in other countries as a driver of regional instability.
- Economic development, strengthening supply chains, forging closer trade linkages between the United States and the region, and nearshoring critical industries.
- 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.
- Security, especially transnational criminal organizations and illicit economies, particularly in Mexico, the Northern Triangle, and Colombia.
- Governance challenges and their effects, including weak rule of law, endemic corruption, migration, inequality, and human rights violations.
- Civil-military relations and defense cooperation.
Contact Information
- Henry Ziemer
- Associate Fellow, Americas Program
- 202.775.3244
- HZiemer@csis.org
Featured Analysis
Under the Gun: Firearms Trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean
Report by Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Henry Ziemer, and Azucena Duarte — November 19, 2024
Featured Event
Addressing Maduro’s Oil Lifeline in the Wake of a Stolen Election
In the News
Mexico’s business ties with China more complex and intractable than bluster suggests
Christopher Hernandez-Roy in The Globe and Mail — November 29, 2024
US hits Venezuelan security chiefs with sanctions for ‘electoral fraud’
Ryan C. Berg in Financial Times — November 27, 2024
China’s Summit Diplomacy: Insights From BRICS, APEC and the G20
Evan Ellis in The Diplomat — November 26, 2024
No hay escenario bueno
Ryan C. Berg in EjeCentral — November 25, 2024
In Brazil, Xi Jinping Cultivates a Friend as He Braces for Trump
Ryan C. Berg in The Wall Street Journal — November 20, 2024
Xi says he will work with Trump team as he meets Biden in Peru
Ryan C. Berg in Reuters — November 16, 2024
Haiti, Now Out of Options, Will Need More Help as It Falls to the Rule of Gangs and Its Citizens Flee to America
Christopher Hernandez-Roy in The New York Sun — November 16, 2024
How China Capitalized on U.S. Indifference in Latin America
Ryan C. Berg in The Wall Street Journal — November 14, 2024
All Americas Program Content
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Georges A. Fauriol
Thiago de Aragão
Jose Ignacio Hernández
Liliana Ayalde
Mark L. Schneider