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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Prospects and Pitfalls for Security Assistance in Haiti
Event — December 4, 2023
CANCELED: A Conversation with H.E. Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic
Event — November 2, 2023
Digital Report Launch: Tracking Transatlantic Drug Flows through the Caribbean to Europe
Event — September 19, 2023
Building Barriers and Bridges: The Need for International Cooperation to Counter the Caribbean-Europe Drug Trade
Report by Christopher Hernandez-Roy and Rubi Bledsoe — July 14, 2023
Latin American Women and Democracy: Perspectives of Activists in the Region
Event — June 12, 2023
Turning up the Heat on Geothermal Energy in Latin America
Event — February 21, 2023
Mining, Climate Risks, and the Western Hemisphere
Event — January 25, 2023
Defending Transparency and Advancing Anticorruption in the Western Hemisphere
Event — December 12, 2022
Innovating and Expanding Access to Finance for Small-Scale Agriculture
Event — December 8, 2022
2022 Washington Humanitarian Forum: Closing the Gap
Event — November 9, 2022