Washington, D.C. – The Stimson Center today announced the launch of its new Latin America Program, aimed at advancing democratic governance, regional security, and sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean. The program is led by Dr. Benjamin Gedan, whose career spans U.S. foreign policymaking and regional scholarship.
Gedan previously served as Director for South America on the White House National Security Council (2016) and held roles at the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury. He was most recently Director of the Latin America Program at the Wilson Center and is an Adjunct Lecturer at Johns Hopkins SAIS and a former Fulbright Scholar in South America.
Stimson’s Latin America Program brings a new focus and coordinating function to the Center’s work in the region. The Program will engage senior government officials, civil society leaders, private sector actors, and regional experts to generate pragmatic, policy-oriented research and dialogue. It will prioritize issues central to U.S. and regional interests, including democracy and human rights, trade and economic development, energy transition, migration, natural resource governance, and the rule of law.
Learn more about the program: https://www.stimson.org/program/latin-america/
“The Latin America and Caribbean region is facing complex and fast-evolving challenges that demand renewed U.S. attention and fresh policy thinking,” said Gedan. “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 initial projects will focus on accelerating digital transformation, supporting the global clean energy transition through Latin American leadership, and enhancing U.S. regional engagement to improve governance and compete more effectively with extra-regional actors.
Gedan is joined by Anders Beal and Beatriz García Nice, both of whom bring extensive experience on energy, climate, governance, and security issues across the Americas. The program will also be supported by an advisory board, composed of former senior officials and private sector leaders from across the region.
“This new program represents a strategic expansion of Stimson’s global mission,” said Brian Finlay, President and CEO of the Stimson Center. “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.”
About the Stimson Center
The Stimson Center promotes international security, shared prosperity, and justice through applied research and independent analysis, deep engagement, and policy innovation.
For three decades, Stimson has been a leading voice on urgent global issues. Founded in the twilight years of the Cold War, the Stimson Center pioneered practical new steps toward stability and security in an uncertain world. Today, as changes in power and technology usher in a challenging new era, Stimson is at the forefront: Engaging new voices, generating innovative ideas and analysis, and building solutions to promote international security, prosperity, and justice.
More at www.stimson.org.
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