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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Sin mujeres, no hay democracia / No Democracy without Women
Podcast Episode by Juliana Rubio — September 19, 2023
Born in the USA
Transcript — September 12, 2023
Inflection Point: The Challenges Facing Latin America and U.S. Policy in the Region
Report by P. Michael McKinley — September 7, 2023
The Political Implications of Mexico’s New Militarism
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Emiliano Polo — September 5, 2023
El rumbo democrático: Ecuador's First-Round Presidential Elections
Podcast Episode by Christopher Hernandez-Roy — August 31, 2023
Divergent Approaches to Development: Taiwan vs. China in Latin America & the Caribbean
Digital Report by Ryan C. Berg and Rubi Bledsoe — August 31, 2023
A Conversation with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves
Event — August 30, 2023
A Conversation with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves
Transcript — August 30, 2023
For North American Energy Security, Go Local: Examining the Role of Natural Gas and Mexico’s Energy Sector
Brief by Ryan C. Berg, Emiliano Polo, and Henry Ziemer — August 24, 2023