Latin America and the Caribbean: Challenges, Policy, and Perspectives

The United States maintains strong ties with the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, driven by geographic proximity and a wide array of U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. As a major trading partner and key source of foreign investment for many of the 33 countries in LAC, the U.S. benefits from free trade agreements with 11 of these nations, which further strengthen economic ties. Additionally, the region is a significant source of both authorized and irregular migration to the U.S., with factors such as geographic proximity, economic opportunities, security conditions, and familial connections playing key roles. The long-standing effort to curb the flow of illicit drugs has been central to U.S.-LAC relations, with close cooperation from countries like Mexico, Colombia, Central American nations, and the Caribbean in addressing this challenge.