Research Library

Geopolitical risks in Russia/Ukraine and Middle East have increased the importance of Latin America’s hydrocarbon reserves and its contribution to global energy security. Growth in the region’s oil production and its prospects for increased global natural gas exports both underscore the need for U.S. and the region governments’ policies that favor the development of Latin America’s hydrocarbons potential as well as significant investments in its decarbonization efforts, writes fellow Francisco J. Monaldi.

After seven years of steady decline and an accumulated drop of 25%, Latin America’s crude oil production has recovered by more than 9% over the past two years, thanks to significant growth in Guyana and Brazil and smaller increases in Argentina and Venezuela. Francisco J. Monaldi walks us through these developments and what could be ahead for the region.

The Latin American does not stop with hydrocarbons: It extends into metals and minerals as well. The demand for critical minerals such as copper and lithium is projected to at least double by 2030. Tilsa Oré Mónago discusses the role of South America in responding to the growing demand for critical minerals in light of clean energy transition plans, as well as the challenges to be faced in doing so.

Each year, millions of people migrate within and beyond their own countries because of rising temperatures and weather-related disasters. This new policy brief on climate-induced displacement from the Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East explains the term “climate mobility,” distinguishes between voluntary and forced migration, and explores the challenges and opportunities presented by this reality of our times.

While many countries are reluctant to accept and integrate refugees, Mexico and Brazil have established effective ways to welcome and absorb refugees through relocation programs. In her new brief, nonresident scholar Elizabeth Ferris outlines how these initiatives promote a win-win scenario by finding solutions that not only enhance refugee protection and well-being but also cater to domestic labor needs.

The Mexico Country Outlook 2024 analyzes key policy issues ahead of Mexico’s June 2024 elections, from foreign investment and regulatory challenges to migration and public security.

Progress on the UN’s sustainable development goals — aimed at achieving peace and prosperity for all people and the planet — has been slow. However, fellow Harris A. Eyre and his co-authors explain how applying a brain capital framework could change the trajectory.

Supply chains: what are the alternatives if climate change restrictions on transiting the Panama Canal become a regular occurrence?

The creation of a new industry of brain capital technologies could stimulate major economic activity, create jobs, and contribute to technological advances for the U.S. and its allies, write Harris Eyre, Rachel Meidl and co-authors.