Security Challenges in Latin America

Illicit drugs and mass migration — these are two of the most pressing security challenges for the United States when it comes to Latin America. Washington has struggled to stem the flow of both across U.S. borders for years, and it will continue to do so for years to come. Its efforts in that regard will, for better or worse, define its relationships with countries as close as Mexico and as far as Colombia — not to mention several in between, from which most U.S.-bound immigrants originate.

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Soldiers in February 2012 in Monterrey, Mexico, at the scene of drug violence.

Assessments Mar 22, 2019 | 20:28 GMTMar 22, 2019

Mexican Cartel Poised to Launch an Offensive for Control of Monterrey

The Cartel del Noreste appears ready to push for control of Monterrey, Mexico's third-largest metropolitan area and a major regional business hub.

Snapshots Feb 5, 2019 | 21:30 GMTFeb 5, 2019

Venezuela: The International Community Begins Preparing for a Post-Maduro World

After four years of economic collapse and more than a decade of economic mismanagement, Venezuela will need foreign assistance -- but this will be costly and will require oversight.

Officials display rifle ammunition seized from the Los Zetas drug cartel in June 2011.

On Security Jan 29, 2019 | 09:30 GMTJan 29, 2019

Tracking Mexico's Cartels in 2019

The bloody turf wars that led to a record number of murders in 2018 will continue to rage. In addition, organized crime will expand more and more into kidnapping, extortion and fuel and cargo theft.

By Scott Stewart

General view of the National Congress before Jair Bolsonaro's Jan. 1, 2019, swearing into the presidency in Brasilia.

Assessments Jan 9, 2019 | 06:30 GMTJan 9, 2019

What Brazil's New Administration Means for Business

Businesses and individuals should exercise increased caution under President Jair Bolsonaro's new administration, which could cause dangerous disruptions.

Snapshots Jan 4, 2019 | 21:05 GMTJan 4, 2019

Mexico: Why Are Some Consumers Facing Fuel Shortages?

The government's efforts to curb theft at a state-run refinery could be contributing to undersupply at over 1,000 fuel stations.

Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro (L) and Defense Minister General Joaquim Silva e Luna attend the launch ceremony of the Brazilian Riachuelo Class Submarine at a navy base in Itaguai city, Rio de Janeiro state, on Dec. 14, 2018.

Assessments Dec 26, 2018 | 07:30 GMTDec 26, 2018

2018: The Year Bolsonaro Captured Brazil's Presidency

Anger at crime and corruption catapulted right-wing lawmaker Jair Bolsonaro to victory in October. As he prepares to take office on Jan. 1, 2019, here's a look back at Brazil's -- and Bolsonaro's -- past 12 months.

Mexican President-elect Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador addresses the media in Mexico City on July 5, 2018.

Assessments Dec 1, 2018 | 10:00 GMTDec 1, 2018

How Lopez Obrador's Election as President Will Change Mexico

Thanks to congressional majorities, the man popularly known as AMLO will become the strongest Mexican president in decades when he takes office Dec. 1.

Mexican soldiers escort Oscar Pozos Jimenez (L) and Jose Serna Padilla, an alleged member of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, in Guadalajara on March 18, 2012.

On Security Sep 25, 2018 | 08:30 GMTSep 25, 2018

What Happens When a Major Mexican Cartel Leader Falls?

The Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion is responsible for much of the violence plaguing Mexico, but removing its leader is unlikely to give the country the respite it needs.

By Scott Stewart