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:SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Photo:SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

USMCA Review 2026

CSIS Americas experts evaluate key challenges and opportunities ahead of the 2026 joint review of the USMCA free trade agreement.

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Brief by Diego Marroquín Bitar, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, and Earl Anthony Wayne — August 18, 2025

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An Americas First Case for Reauthorizing the Development Finance Corporation

Reauthorizing the DFC is critical to U.S. economic security, with deeper engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean essential to strengthening supply chains, outcompeting China, and advancing a more strategic regional approach.

Commentary by Ryan C. Berg, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Juliana Rubio, Henry Ziemer, and Jessie Hu — July 22, 2025

The Truth of the Matter

Trump’s Panama Canal Policy

CSIS’s Ryan Berg joins the podcast to discuss the U.S. strategic interests in the Panama Canal, competition with China and potential outcomes.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Ryan C. Berg — April 29, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter
The Truth of the Matter

Trudeau's Dramatic Resignation

What led to Justin Trudeau’s resignation, and what does it mean for Canada’s future? Vincent Rigby unpacks it with insight on this episode of the The Truth of the Matter.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Vincent Rigby — January 10, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter