Can't read it? Listen now!
During a recent conference at the National Defense University (UNDEF) in Buenos Aires, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Jana Nelson, addressed key concerns for Washington in Latin America. Her speech, delivered in the context of the Defense Ministers of the Americas summit in Mendoza, Argentina, highlighted organized crime, Haiti, and Venezuela as top issues for the U.S. Department of Defense.
U.S. defense priorities in Latin America
Nelson, a senior advisor on security and defense policy for the region, emphasized the importance of the Western Hemisphere in U.S. national security strategy. Speaking to an audience of defense experts and officials, she pointed out that no other region impacts the United States more directly than Latin America and the Caribbean, home to 34 nations and three regions including Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
She praised the outcomes of the Mendoza summit, which focused on pressing defense issues such as artificial intelligence and climate change. She noted that Peru will lead the next edition of the summit in 2026, with the U.S. set to host in 2028.
Organized crime: A growing concern
One of the main issues Nelson discussed was the expansion of organized crime in Latin America. She argued that the term “organized crime” no longer fully captures the scale and complexity of the problem, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Nelson, criminal organizations in the region have evolved into multinational entities that operate with near-corporate efficiency, exploiting market dynamics to increase profits.
“These groups have grown fewer but more powerful, transforming into private entities with franchise-like structures,” Nelson remarked, pointing to the growing influence of these networks across borders.
Haiti and Venezuela: Key focus areas
Nelson also expressed concerns about the ongoing crises in Haiti and Venezuela. Both countries are seen as significant security challenges for the region, with Haiti facing rampant gang violence and political instability, and Venezuela dealing with a prolonged political and economic crisis. The U.S. continues to monitor these situations closely, offering support to regional partners in addressing these issues.
Artificial intelligence and climate change
In addition to security concerns, the conference also touched on the role of emerging technologies and climate adaptation in defense strategies. Nelson underscored that artificial intelligence (AI) is an area where many Latin American military forces are beginning to explore its potential for both opportunities and risks. The summit in Mendoza marked the first time AI was discussed at the ministerial level in the region.
Climate change was another major topic, with Nelson reaffirming the U.S. commitment to helping Latin American militaries respond to natural disasters. She emphasized the need for logistical and financial support to adapt military operations to the increasing threat of climate-related emergencies.
Building regional trust and cooperation
Nelson’s visit to Argentina, where she was welcomed by UNDEF rector Julio Spota, was seen as an important step in strengthening U.S.-Argentina relations in the defense sector. Spota noted that her presence contributed to building trust and fostering cooperation between the two nations, particularly in security matters.
