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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Canadian Membership in AUKUS: A Time for Action
Commentary by Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Vincent Rigby, and Henry Ziemer — May 9, 2023
Up in the Air: The Spy Balloon and What It Means for Canada
Commentary by Vincent Rigby — March 3, 2023
Ensuring the Biden-Fernández Meeting Matters
Commentary by Juan Cruz and Henry Ziemer — July 22, 2022
Challenges and Opportunities for the Inter-American Defense Board
Commentary by Ryan C. Berg and Chris Bernotavicius — July 6, 2022
Canada Urgently Needs to Rethink Its National Security Strategy
Commentary by Vincent Rigby and Thomas Juneau — May 24, 2022
Preparing for Deterioration of the Latin America and Caribbean Strategic Environment
Report by Evan Ellis — January 14, 2022
The Future of Security in Venezuela
Event — December 20, 2021
What Happens Next in Venezuela?
Commentary by Moises Rendon — May 10, 2019
Lessons from Venezuela for Nicaragua
Commentary by Moises Rendon and Mia Kazman — December 13, 2018
Maduro’s Mafia State
Commentary by Moises Rendon and Mia Kazman — October 31, 2018