35 West

What do the U.S. Midterm Elections Mean for the Western Hemisphere?

The U.S. midterm elections have reshaped the political landscape in Washington, with Democrats securing a congressional majority in both the House of Representatives and

Understanding Canada’s New National Security Plan

For the first time in two decades, Canada has released a new national security plan, setting out its priorities at a pivotal moment of geopolitical change and a shifting

Lula Wins: What Comes Next for Brazil?

In a stunning upset, Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva has won the Brazilian presidential election, defeating presumed frontrunner Flávio Bolsonaro, bucking a recent right-ward

Dragon in the Americas with Leland Lazarus

As great power competition between China and the United States intensifies, Latin America has emerged as a critical arena. Yet, discourse surrounding China’s expanding pr

Battle for Brazil: The First-Round Election Results Explained

On October 4, Brazilians cast their votes in what is shaping up to be one of the most contentious and polarized elections in recent history. Flávio Bolsonaro, the right-w

Paraguay’s Moment: A New Chapter for Development

Paraguay is often overlooked in South America, but it is beginning to occupy a more visible place in regional economic and geopolitical conversations. With a growing econ

The Future of U.S. Development Finance in the Americas

As the United States places renewed emphasis on the Western Hemisphere, development finance is emerging as an important instrument of economic statecraft. Following Congr

An Update on U.S.-Mexico Firearms Trafficking

In February 2025, the State Department designated six Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) as part of a broader push from the Trump administration ta

Will Trump’s Pressure on Canada Break the USMCA?

When faced with President Trump’s economic pressure, most U.S. allies have fallen into line. Canada bucked the trend and stood firm. This week, Chris Hernandez-Roy and Di

Closer to USMCA Extension? Preliminary Agreements With Mexico and Canada

On July 1, the United States, Mexico, and Canada sat down to decide the future of their trade agreement. Mexico and Canada said yes, but the United States said no to the

Colombia at a Crossroads: Abelardo de la Espriella and the New Political Era

In this episode of 35 West, guest host Juliana Rubio, associate director of the CSIS Americas Program, is joined by Sergio Guzmán, co-founder and director of Colombia Ris

USMCA Review Deadline

In this episode, Diego Marroquín Bitar is joined by William Alan Reinsch, senior adviser and Scholl Chair emeritus with the CSIS Economics Program and Scholl Chair in Int

Best of 35 West: Canada's Role in the Golden Dome

This episode initially aired on June 12, 2025. Following a recent CSIS Americas conference on U.S.-Canada security cooperation, this issue remains an important priority i

USMCA Review Kicks Off

Mexico, the United States, and Canada are hosting the 2026 World Cup, and it isn’t clear whether that or the ongoing negotiations over the USMCA free trade agreement is h

Beyond Left and Right: Colombia’s 2026 Presidential Election

In this episode of 35 West, Associate Director Juliana Rubio sits down with Gabriel Cifuentes, co-founder of Greystone Consulting Group, to discuss Colombia’s upcoming Ma

Unpacking Peru's First-Round Elections

On April 12, Peruvians took to the polls to vote in the first round of elections that would decide the country’s next president. Some hoped the elections would help usher

Presidential Personalities with Ignacio Arana Araya

The character and temperament of a leader can have a major impact on both the quality of governance, as well as the health and stability of democratic systems. But how ex

Human Rights in Nicaragua

Since massive anti-government protests in Nicaragua in 2018, and a subsequent brutal government crackdown, President Daniel Ortega and his Co-President spouse, Rosario Mu

Venezuela Three Months After Absolute Resolve

It has been nearly three months since Operation Absolute Resolve and so much has happened in Venezuela. Under pressure from the United States, the country’s interim autho

Unpacking Costa Rica's Elections

On February 1, Costa Rica held elections to determine its next president. The vote ushered in a new political phase amid economic pressures, public dissatisfaction with t