Council of Councils
Think Global Health
Online Store
Latin America
-
China’s Growing Influence in Latin AmericaFor more than two decades, China has developed close economic and security ties with many Latin American countries, including Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela. But Beijing’s increasing sway in the region continues to raise concerns in Washington, prompting greater U.S. engagement.
-
China in Latin America: May 2025In May, China hosted the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin America and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum in Beijing. Colombia signed onto the Belt and Road Initiative. Public opinion polling showed the United States is ceding ground to China in South America.
-
What Is Birthright Citizenship and Could the Supreme Court End It?The Trump administration’s efforts to nullify birthright citizenship for millions of U.S.-born children could overturn a nearly 160-year legal precedent.
Experts in this Keyword
International Affairs Fellow in National Security, sponsored by Janine and J. Tomilson Hill
-
The IMF Is Bailing Out El Salvador. It Shouldn’t Be So Lenient on Cryptocurrency.El Salvador’s bitcoin project risks the country’s economy and the IMF’s credibility.
-
China in Latin America: April 2025In April, Argentina renewed a $5 billion currency swap line with China despite objections by the United States. Latin American countries stand to gain as China orients away from U.S. agricultural suppliers amid escalating trade tensions. The Panamanian Comptroller-General announced plans to file criminal charges against the Hong Kong company that operates two ports in the Panama Canal.
-
Trump’s Plan for the Panama Canal, With Will FreemanWill Freeman, fellow for Latin America studies at CFR, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss President Donald Trump’s calls for the United States to retake control of the Panama Canal.
-
Here’s Where Trump’s Deportations Are Sending MigrantsThe Trump administration’s deportations of undocumented immigrants are accelerating as part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized immigration. The focus so far has been on hundreds of flights, mainly to Latin American countries.
-
China in Latin America: March 2025In March, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government would review tariffs on Chinese imports. Venezuela boosted oil exports to China in the face of U.S. sanctions and questions over the extension of Chevron’s license to operate in the South American country. CK Hutchison Holdings agreed to sell its majority ownership of two ports at either end of the Panama Canal to BlackRock.
-
China in Latin America: February 2025In February, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to the region and warned of Chinese encroachment. Several Latin American countries expanded trade and investment relations with China. Chinese-funded mining projects went online in Bolivia and Argentina.
-
Ecuador’s Next President Will Face Debt, Drought, and GangsApril’s runoff election could decide whether Ecuador continues a descent into instability and violence, or charts a new course.
-
How the U.S. Asylum Process WorksAsylum has become a central part of the U.S. immigration debate in recent years after border crossings reached a record high in fiscal year 2023. Here’s how the asylum process works.
-
China in Latin America: January 2025This month, Mexico announced plans to curb imports from China across key industries including automobiles, aerospace technology, and textiles. Peru launched investigations into alleged Chinese dumping practices, while Argentina decided to loosen its antidumping measures. Panama started an audit of the Hong Kong-based company that operates two ports in the Panama Canal amid President Donald Trump's repeated claims of Chinese interference in the waterway.
-
Who Controls the Panama Canal?Panama has owned and administered the Panama Canal for nearly three decades. President Trump wants to change that to counter growing Chinese influence in Latin America.
-
China in Latin America: December 2024In December, China countered U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s claims about the Panama Canal. Brazilian labor authorities uncovered “slavery-like conditions” at a construction site for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD. Mexico introduced new tariffs targeting Chinese textiles and e-commerce platforms.
-
What We’re Watching Around the Globe in 2025To gain some insight into the year ahead, CFR fellows highlight some of the global developments they will be looking out for.