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.

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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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Mexico Is Now the Top Importer of U.S. Goods

In August 2025, Mexico overtook Canada as the United States’ largest export market, underscoring how deeply the U.S. manufacturing sector and related jobs are tied to North American demand.

Analysis by Ryan C. Berg and Diego Marroquín Bitar — November 25, 2025

35 West

After Bolivia's Elections

Christopher Hernandez-Roy sits down with Eduardo Gamarra to discuss the aftermath of Bolivia's presidential elections.

Podcast Episode by Christopher Hernandez-Roy — November 14, 2025

CSIS 35 West
Audio Briefs

Jungle Thunder: A Multinational Approach to Improving U.S. Capabilities in Jungle Warfare

An audio version of "⁠Jungle Thunder: A Multinational Approach to Improving U.S. Capabilities in Jungle Warfare⁠," a new Commentary by CSIS’s Wilder Alejandro Sánchez with Andre Carvalho. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Wilder Alejandro Sánchez and Andre Carvalho — November 14, 2025

Audio Briefs
Audio Briefs

How Mexico’s Costly Spectrum Undermines Its Digital Future

An audio version of “⁠How Mexico’s Costly Spectrum Undermines Its Digital Future⁠,” a new Commentary by CSIS’s Diego Marroquín Bitar, Henry Ziemer, and Ryan C. Berg. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs. 

Podcast Episode by Diego Marroquín Bitar, Henry Ziemer, and Ryan C. Berg — November 13, 2025

Audio Briefs

Leveraging Latin America’s Embrace of the United States

Americas Program Senior Associate Evan Ellis argues that the widespread U.S.-friendly disposition of Latin America and the Caribbean creates unique opportunities for the United States in economic, security and other domains.

Commentary by Evan Ellis — November 4, 2025