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
Projects
Featured Analysis

Photo: DANIEL MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images
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 8 of 506 results
Rubio to meet with Dominican officials to close Latin America tour
Ryan C. Berg in Voice of America — February 5, 2025
Rubio to Panama: China exerting ‘unacceptable’ control of canal
Ryan C. Berg in Voice of America — February 2, 2025
Trump's antagonism risks pushing U.S. allies closer to China
Ryan C. Berg in NBC — February 2, 2025
Rubio visiting Central America with the Panama Canal and immigration top of mind
Ryan C. Berg in AP — February 1, 2025
Sec. Rubio's first overseas trip focuses on Latin America, Panama Canal
Christopher Hernandez-Roy in Scripps News — January 31, 2025
Chinese Ports in Latin America and Their Illicit Operations
Christopher Hernandez-Roy in Diálogo Americas — January 28, 2025
Public spat with Colombia could be sign of Trump’s Latin America strategy
Ryan C. Berg in PBS — January 27, 2025
After forcing Colombia to back down, White House claims America is respected again
Ryan C. Berg in CNN — January 26, 2025
All Americas Program Content
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China’s Relations with Latin America: A Conversation with Dr. Ryan Berg
Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin and Ryan C. Berg — December 5, 2024

Addressing Maduro’s Oil Lifeline in the Wake of a Stolen Election
Event — December 3, 2024
Ending the Strategic Vacuum: A U.S. Strategy for China in Latin America
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg — December 2, 2024

Report Launch: Firearms Trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean
Event — November 19, 2024
Under the Gun: Firearms Trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean
Report by Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Henry Ziemer, and Azucena Duarte — November 19, 2024
“Under the Gun: Firearms Trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean”: Audio Brief with Christopher Hernandez-Roy and Henry Ziemer
Podcast Episode by Christopher Hernandez-Roy and Henry Ziemer — November 19, 2024

A Bilateral Approach to Address Vulnerability in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
Commentary by Andrew I. Rudman — November 18, 2024
Can Latin America's Copper Be the Key to a Low-Carbon Future?
Event — November 13, 2024
Latin America: The World's Copper Stronghold
Digital Report by Gracelin Baskaran, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Henry Ziemer, and Fabio Murgia — November 13, 2024