About the Latin America Studies Program

About the Program

The Latin America Studies program examines opportunities and challenges facing the Western Hemisphere in the twenty-first century. From governance crises in Ecuador and Peru, to corruption in Mexico, and unprecedented migration across the region, the program responds to political, social, and economic developments in Latin America and provides timely and insightful commentary and policy recommendations.

Latin America is home to many dynamic market-based economies and forward-looking democratic societies. Over the last two decades, and despite adverse economic circumstances, poverty levels have been cut in half. And despite backlashes, civil society organizations and public reformers alike have advanced transparency, accountability, and inclusion in many places.

Yet after years of growth, Latin America’s economies are stagnating. COVID-19 undermined health care systems, threatened educational progress, and deepened political polarization and unrest. Corruption still plagues too many of the region’s countries and runs deeply, frustrating voters even as it unseats public officials and prominent business leaders. And violence threatens the well-being of so many, driving millions of Central Americans, Mexicans, and others from their homes. To advance a better understanding of these and other hemispheric issues, the Latin America Studies program conducts outreach to policymakers, civil society leaders, private sector participants, and academics. Fellows host roundtable series to discuss regional developments, and write widely on Latin America issues in articles, op-eds, and books.