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 Haiti and Peru, to corruption in Mexico, and the Central American migrant crisis, the program responds to political, social, and economic developments across the region 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. Civil society organizations and public reformers alike have advanced transparency, accountability, and inclusion.

Yet after years of growth, Latin America’s economies are stagnating. COVID-19 has devastated the region, undermining health care systems, threatening educational progress, and inciting political 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 academics and policymakers. Fellows host roundtable series to discuss regional developments, and write widely on Latin America issues in articles, op-eds, and books.