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
- Research Associate, Americas Program
- 202.775.3244
- HZiemer@csis.org
Featured Analysis
Exporting Autocracy
CSIS Americas director Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer analyze China's role in democratic backsliding across Latin America and the Caribbean and outline a series of recommendations for the United States to advance a democracy-first strategy in the hemisphere.
Report by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — February 15, 2024
Featured Event
Report Launch: China’s Role in Democratic Backsliding in Latin America and the Caribbean
In the News
How Russia Tries to Sway Latin America on Ukraine
Ryan C. Berg and Rubi Bledsoe in Americas Quarterly — March 11, 2024
With Venezuela’s election set for late July, President Nicolás Maduro holds all the cards
Ryan C. Berg in AP — March 8, 2024
Ryan Berg: China ayuda a consolidar autoritarismos en la región
Ryan C. Berg in Expendiente Publico — March 5, 2024
Venezuelan dissident found dead in Chile as Nicolás Maduro tests US resolve
Ryan C. Berg in Financial Times — March 3, 2024
The Case for Containing, Not Coddling, Maduro
Evan Ellis in Global Americans — February 26, 2024
Guyana Government Calls Oil, Natural Gas Investments ‘Safe’ Amid Venezuela Saber-Rattling
Christopher Hernandez-Roy in Natural Gas Intelligence — February 26, 2024
Why Are Truck Drivers Being Targeted in Mexico?
Ryan C. Berg in The Dialogue — February 26, 2024
China’s Security Engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean
Evan Ellis in The Diplomat — February 23, 2024
All Americas Program Content
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Report Launch: China’s Role in Democratic Backsliding in Latin America and the Caribbean
Event — February 15, 2024
“Exporting Autocracy: China’s Role in Democratic Backsliding in Latin America and the Caribbean”: Audio Brief with Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — February 15, 2024
Exporting Autocracy
Report by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — February 15, 2024
“Paper Tiger or Pacing Threat”: Audio Brief with Ryan Berg
Podcast Episode by Ryan C. Berg — October 31, 2023
Paper Tiger or Pacing Threat?
Report by Ryan C. Berg and Henry Ziemer — October 19, 2023
BRICS+ from Above: Why the Space Dimension of the Expanded Alliance Matters
Commentary by Laura Delgado López — October 2, 2023
Insulate, Curtail, Compete: Sketching a U.S. Grand Strategy in Latin America and the Caribbean
Report by Ryan C. Berg — May 11, 2023
The Great Balancing Act: Lula in China and the Future of U.S.-Brazil Relations
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Carlos Baena — April 19, 2023
Fentanyl: A Triangle of Sadness (U.S., Mexico, and China)
Podcast Episode by Mariana Campero — March 13, 2023
The Importance of Democracy Promotion to Great Power Competition in Latin America and the Caribbean
Report by Ryan C. Berg — September 26, 2022