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 546 results

Show More

All Americas Program Content

Filter by

61 - 70 of 1171 results

What Elections Mean for Canada and the Future of North America

CSIS Americas Program Director Ryan C. Berg, Deputy Director and Senior Fellow Christopher Hernandez-Roy, and Henry Ziemer evaluate the significance of Canada's upcoming election and how it will reshape relations with the United States.

Critical Questions by Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Ryan C. Berg, and Henry Ziemer — March 25, 2025

Audio Briefs

What Elections Mean for Canada and the Future of North America

An audio version of “What Elections Mean for Canada and the Future of North America,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Ryan C. Berg, and Henry Ziemer. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Ryan C. Berg, and Henry Ziemer — March 25, 2025

Audio Briefs
35 West

The End of Arctic Exceptionalism

In this episode, Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Vincent Rigby, senior adviser with the CSIS Americas Program and professor at the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. Together, they discuss Canada's current force posture in the arctic and priorities for bolstering Canadian sovereignty there.

Podcast Episode by Christopher Hernandez-Roy and Vincent Rigby — March 20, 2025

CSIS 35 West
Mexico Matters

Everything is Relative—including Tariffs

In this episode, Mariana speaks with Luis de la Calle, renowned economist, former NAFTA negotiator and the CEO of CMM Asociados. 

Podcast Episode by Mariana Campero — March 14, 2025

CSIS Mexico Matters
35 West

Aid Freezes and Security in the Andes

In this episode, Ryan C. Berg sits down with Elizabeth Dickinson, Senior Analyst for the Andes at Crisis Group. Together, they discuss how the cutoff of U.S. assistance is impacting security and counter-narcotics efforts in Colombia.

Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — March 6, 2025

CSIS 35 West

Chinese Ports in Panama Come Under New Management

CSIS Americas Program director Ryan C. Berg, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Juliana Rubio, Henry Ziemer, and Rubi Bledsoe examine the significant of a recent deal for BlackRock to acquire ports along the Panama Canal.

Critical Questions by Ryan C. Berg, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Juliana Rubio, Henry Ziemer, and Rubi Bledsoe — March 6, 2025

Audio Briefs

Chinese Ports in Panama Come Under New Management

An audio version of “Chinese Ports in Panama Come Under New Management,” a new Critical Questions by CSIS's Ryan C. Berg, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Juliana Rubio, Henry Ziemer, and Rubi Bledsoe. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Juliana Rubio, Henry Ziemer, and Rubi Bledsoe — March 6, 2025

Audio Briefs

What Is the Significance of Venezuela’s Naval Incursion into Guyana?

CSIS Americas Program director Ryan C. Berg, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Rubi Bledsoe, Henry Ziemer, and Eitan Casaverde examine Venezuela's recent naval incursions into Guyanese waters.

Critical Questions by Ryan C. Berg, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Rubi Bledsoe, Henry Ziemer, and Eitan Casaverde — March 5, 2025