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.

Contact Information

Projects

Featured Analysis

Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Effects of the Trump Administration’s Tariff Threats Against Canada and Mexico

CSIS Americas Deputy Director and Senior Fellow Christopher Hernandez-Roy describes how U.S. rhetoric and trade threats are causing Canada and Mexico to rethink their relationship with their neighbor.

Listen to Excerpt

Commentary by Christopher Hernandez-Roy — March 31, 2025

See all analysis on Americas Program

Featured Event

In the News 8 of 547 results

Show More

All Americas Program Content

Filter by

1071 - 1080 of 1172 results

North American Competitiveness in a Changing Global Economy

With growing calls for Mexico's inclusion in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations (TTIP), the Americas Program is pleased to welcome His Excellency Eduardo Medina Mora for a discussion on the commercial competitiveness of Mexico and the North American economy.

Event — July 24, 2013

Paraguay—Leaving Mercosur?

Though it appears that Paraguay will regain full membership to Mercosur in August, holding the organization's presidency during the first half of 2014, their return follows a one-year suspension from the bloc.

Event — July 23, 2013

A Conversation with Enrique Castillo

The CSIS Americas Program and Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD) are pleased to welcome Costa Rica's minister of foreign affairs, Enrique Castillo, for a wide-ranging discussion on issues confronting Costa Rica today.

Event — July 18, 2013

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