The Stimson Center has announced the creation of its Latin America Program, which will focus on promoting democratic governance, regional security, and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The initiative is led by Dr. Benjamin Gedan, who has experience in U.S. foreign policy and regional studies, including serving as Director for South America on the White House National Security Council in 2016 and holding positions at the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury.
Dr. Gedan is also a Fellow and Adjunct Lecturer at Johns Hopkins SAIS and a former Fulbright Scholar in South America. The new program will coordinate the Stimson Center’s work in the region and engage with government officials, civil society, private sector representatives, and experts to produce policy-focused research and dialogue. The program’s priorities include democracy and human rights, trade and economic development, energy transition, migration, natural resource management, and the rule of law.
According to Gedan, “The Latin America and Caribbean region is facing complex and fast-evolving challenges that demand renewed U.S. attention and fresh policy thinking. I’m thrilled to build this program at Stimson, an institution known for bridging research and policy in practical, nonpartisan ways. With its reputation for forward-thinking analysis and its commitment to addressing pressing international issues, Stimson is the ideal home for a program that seeks to advance inclusive growth, regional stability, and stronger U.S. partnerships across this region.”
The program’s first projects will address digital transformation, support the global clean energy transition through leadership from Latin America, and seek to improve U.S. engagement to strengthen governance and respond to competition from outside actors. Gedan will work with Anders Beal and Beatriz García Nice, who have backgrounds in energy, climate, governance, and security issues in the Americas. An advisory board made up of former senior officials and private sector leaders from the region will also support the program.
Brian Finlay, President and CEO of the Stimson Center, stated, “This new program represents a strategic expansion of Stimson’s global mission. At a time when the region is once again in headlines, Benjamin and his team are best in class, bringing unparalleled expertise and networks that will help policymakers deliver innovative, pragmatic solutions to shared challenges across Latin America and the Caribbean. This launch marks Stimson’s renewed commitment to strengthening U.S. policy engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean through rigorous research, inclusive dialogue, and innovative partnerships.”
The Stimson Center is known for its applied research and independent analysis on international security and policy innovation. For more information about the new program, visit https://www.stimson.org/program/latin-america/
