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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Featured Analysis

Photo: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Photo: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

The United States Has Opted Not to Extend the USMCA

The United States declined to renew the USMCA for another 16 years, triggering a decade of annual reviews. But the deal did not collapse. It now faces a slower, costlier threat: prolonged uncertainty that stalls investment across North America.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — July 2, 2026

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Featured Event

Three Nations, One Table: North American Agriculture under USMCA

Presented by Americas Program
June 24, 2026 • 9:30 am – 3:00 pm EDT

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Is U.S. Haiti Policy an Opportunity for Success?

Amid the costly on-and-off conflict with Iran, U.S. foreign policymakers would do well to refocus attention on the Caribbean. Haiti might offer the best opportunity for positive change.

Commentary by Georges A. Fauriol and Mary Speck — July 28, 2026

35 West

Colombia at a Crossroads: Abelardo de la Espriella and the New Political Era

In this episode of 35 West, guest host Juliana Rubio, associate director of the CSIS Americas Program, is joined by Sergio Guzmán, co-founder and director of Colombia Risk Analysis, to discuss Colombia’s 2026 presidential election and the transition ahead.

Podcast Episode by Juliana Rubio — July 23, 2026

CSIS 35 West

World Cup 2026: North America Missed the Goal

The 2026 World Cup presented a unique opportunity for trilateral cooperation in North America amid mounting economic and security tensions. It failed to deliver on what should have been an easy goal.

Commentary by Andrew I. Rudman — July 21, 2026

Understanding President Trump’s New Tariffs on Canadian Imports

On July 20, President Trump formally invoked Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 for the first time to impose 50 percent duties against a significant range of Canadian products. Our experts explain the statute and its global implications.

Critical Questions by Christopher Gundermann, Hugh Grant-Chapman, and Diego Marroquín Bitar — July 21, 2026

35 West

USMCA Review Deadline

Diego Marroquín Bitar is joined by the Trade Guys to discuss the U.S. decision not to renew and the future of the USMCA.

Podcast Episode by Diego Marroquín Bitar, Scott Miller, and William Alan Reinsch — July 17, 2026

CSIS 35 West
The Trade Guys

USMCA Review Deadline with CSIS's Diego Marroquín Bitar

Bill and Scott welcome Diego Marroquín Bitar, fellow with the CSIS Americas Program, following the July 1, 2026, USMCA review deadline to discuss the U.S. decision not to renew and the future of the USMCA.

Podcast Episode by Diego Marroquín Bitar, Scott Miller, and William Alan Reinsch — July 7, 2026

CSIS The Trade Guys

The United States Has Opted Not to Extend the USMCA

The United States declined to renew the USMCA for another 16 years, triggering a decade of annual reviews. But the deal did not collapse. It now faces a slower, costlier threat: prolonged uncertainty that stalls investment across North America.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — July 2, 2026

Audio Briefs

Don’t Let the USMCA Drift Away

An audio version of "⁠Don’t Let the USMCA Drift Away⁠," a new commentary by CSIS’s Diego Marroquín Bitar. This audio was generated with text-to-speech by Eleven Labs.

Podcast Episode by Diego Marroquín Bitar — June 30, 2026

Audio Briefs