Home / Policy Topics / Western Hemisphere

Western Hemisphere

Advance U.S. security and prosperity without military force

More U.S. engagement in the Western Hemisphere is a worthy foreign policy goal, but this “pivot home” should not be only or primarily military in focus.

LEARN MORE

WESTERN HEMISPHERE EXPERTS

Jennifer
Kavanagh

Senior Fellow & Director of Military Analysis

Defense Priorities

Photo of Daniel DePetris

Daniel
DePetris

Fellow

Defense Priorities

Photo of Benjamin Friedman

Benjamin
Friedman

Policy Director

Defense Priorities

Photo of Chris McCallion

Christopher
McCallion

Fellow

Defense Priorities

Alexander
Downes

Non-Resident Fellow

Defense Priorities

Op-edGrand strategy, Cuba, Iran

Three places where Trump’s post-election foreign policy could ramp up

By Daniel DePetris

November 4, 2026

Pocketbook issues were a central theme heading into the midterm elections, but foreign policy could soon be center stage. President […]

Op-edWestern Hemisphere

What Donald Trump should do now that his Brazilian ally has been defeated

By Daniel DePetris

November 3, 2026

Op-edWestern Hemisphere, Cuba

Havana in the crosshairs

By Daniel DePetris

November 1, 2026

Symposia: Americas first: A shift to hemispheric defense

Washington has recently pursued a more aggressive policy approach toward the Western Hemisphere. Defense Priorities organized this symposium to encourage thinking about this change and articulate what U.S. hemispheric defense should—and shouldn’t—look like. Top experts shared their insights in an effort to inform and improve U.S. policy. Each contributor provided an answer to the question: “What is the most prudent way to pursue a foreign policy focused on hemispheric defense?”

Read More

The Latest

Types

Op-edGrand strategy, Cuba, Iran

Three places where Trump’s post-election foreign policy could ramp up

By Daniel DePetris

November 4, 2026

Op-edWestern Hemisphere

What Donald Trump should do now that his Brazilian ally has been defeated

By Daniel DePetris

November 3, 2026

Op-edWestern Hemisphere, Cuba

Havana in the crosshairs

By Daniel DePetris

November 1, 2026

Op-edVenezuela, Western Hemisphere

Trump’s Venezuela gamble: It’s been a success, but for whom?

By Daniel DePetris

October 31, 2026

In the mediaWestern Hemisphere, Counterterrorism, Military analysis, Military strategy and budget

What will a growing MQ-9 presence in Latin America mean for SOUTHCOM?

Featuring Benjamin Friedman

October 8, 2026

Op-edVenezuela, Western Hemisphere

Venezuela has bent to U.S. will. Is that good for Venezuelans?

By Daniel DePetris

September 29, 2026

DEFP in the Media

Connect with Experts

Read at Air & Space Forces Magazine: What will a growing MQ-9 presence in Latin America mean for SOUTHCOM?

Featuring Benjamin Friedman

October 8, 2026

Read at Drop Site News: Elements of Venezuelan Government Loyal to Chavismo Warn of Possible U.S. Assault

Featuring Daniel DePetris

August 26, 2026

Read at New York Sun: Cuba’s Slow Collapse: Blackouts, Hunger, and a Regime Running Out of Road

Featuring Daniel DePetris

July 20, 2026

Events

See All Events

virtualWestern Hemisphere, Military analysis

Assessing the 2026 NDS: Toward Western Hemisphere dominance?

February 9, 2026

virtualWestern Hemisphere

What’s next for U.S. foreign policy in 2026? Western Hemisphere Edition

January 14, 2026

virtualVenezuela, Western Hemisphere

Perils of regime change in Venezuela and beyond

October 28, 2025