U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.

What’s Ahead for Latin America in 2026?

The top stories we’re watching this year.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei each make a thumbs up as they stand beside each other. They are both wearing suits; Milei is holding a dark blue folder.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei each make a thumbs up as they stand beside each other. They are both wearing suits; Milei is holding a dark blue folder.

Latin America’s Year in Review

In 2025, the region went up against tariffs, deportations, and a major U.S. military buildup.

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules taxis at Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules taxis at Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

China Responds to Trump’s Revived Monroe Doctrine

Amid the U.S. naval blockade announcement off the coast of Venezuela, Beijing has released its new strategy for the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures with both hands as he stands next to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. All wear formal attire.
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures with both hands as he stands next to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. All wear formal attire.

USMCA Deal Comes Up for Review

Trump has kept Canada and Mexico guessing about whether he will renew the trade agreement.

Honduran presidential candidate Nasry Asfura delivers a speech in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Honduran presidential candidate Nasry Asfura delivers a speech in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Election Drama Heats Up in Honduras

The country is the latest target of Trump’s partisan interventions.

Kast, wearing a suit and red tie, holds out a flag with his right arm.
Kast, wearing a suit and red tie, holds out a flag with his right arm.

Latin America’s Ascendant Right Is Tested at the Ballot Box

Weekend elections in Chile and Ecuador offer a snapshot of a regional trend.

Four Indigenous people in traditional attire sit behind a white table, flanked by journalists.
Four Indigenous people in traditional attire sit behind a white table, flanked by journalists.

Local Meets Global at COP30 in Belém

Latin American climate solutions are on display at the annual summit.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric stands at a lectern and delivers a speech.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric stands at a lectern and delivers a speech.

Latin America’s Pivot to Asia

Chile, Mexico, and Peru announced new trade talks at APEC.

A man wearing a red T-shirt walks through the middle of a flooded Cuban street after Hurricane Melissa, with the water reaching nearly up to the knees of his sweatpants. The street is surrounded on either side by low buildings.
A man wearing a red T-shirt walks through the middle of a flooded Cuban street after Hurricane Melissa, with the water reaching nearly up to the knees of his sweatpants. The street is surrounded on either side by low buildings.

The Politics of Hurricane Melissa

The storm hit three island nations with vastly different approaches to climate adaptation.

Wearing a suit with no tie, Rodrigo Paz waves at something or someone out of frame. Behind him is a woman wearing an orange vest.
Wearing a suit with no tie, Rodrigo Paz waves at something or someone out of frame. Behind him is a woman wearing an orange vest.

Is Bolivia Ready for Paz?

The conservative president-elect has an economic crisis in his inbox.

A protester stands outside beneath a pale sky, holding a sign reading "Jose Jeri doesn't represent me." She is surrounded by dozens of other demonstrators, almost all wearing red.
A protester stands outside beneath a pale sky, holding a sign reading "Jose Jeri doesn't represent me." She is surrounded by dozens of other demonstrators, almost all wearing red.

Peru’s Political Churn Isn’t Over Yet

Even after the president’s impeachment, protests show little sign of slowing down.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley gives thumbs up to the camera. She is wearing a yellow blouse, hoop earrings, and sun glasses.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley gives thumbs up to the camera. She is wearing a yellow blouse, hoop earrings, and sun glasses.

The Caribbean’s Migration Milestone

Four countries are defying global anti-migrant sentiment to offer free movement to their citizens.

An armed soldier sits in the back of a green pickup truck. Behind him sits another soldier, facing the other direction. In the background is a green fence and palm trees.
An armed soldier sits in the back of a green pickup truck. Behind him sits another soldier, facing the other direction. In the background is a green fence and palm trees.

U.N. Authorizes Larger Haiti Mission

The resolution was a rare point of consensus between Washington and Latin American countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds papers as he watches Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speak on screen.
U.S. President Donald Trump holds papers as he watches Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speak on screen.

UNGA Deals Latin America Some Surprises

From Trump’s “chemistry” with Lula to a U.S. bailout of Argentina.

A Colombian police helicopter takes part in security operations to the coca-growing municipality of Villagarzón, Colombia, on Sept. 5.
A Colombian police helicopter takes part in security operations to the coca-growing municipality of Villagarzón, Colombia, on Sept. 5.

The U.S.-Colombia Rift Widens

Trump added Bogotá to an anti-drug blacklist but stopped short of cutting aid.

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