Livestreamed from Washington, D.C.
Convened by Global Americans and Florida International University
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Event Overview
The Shield of the Americas Summit comes at a decisive moment for the Western Hemisphere.
In recent weeks, escalating security developments, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro, U.S.–Israeli strikes against Iranian targets, and renewed signals toward Cuba, have reinforced the perception that Washington is adopting a more assertive posture in the region.
At the same time, the administration has made clear that countering China’s expanding strategic footprint in Latin America is central to U.S. national security strategy. Infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, logistics, and digital finance are no longer simply economic sectors, they are arenas of geopolitical competition.
Against this backdrop, President Trump is convening select Latin American leaders for the Shield of the Americas Summit. The choice of participants, the themes emphasized, and the outcomes discussed may signal a shift in how hemispheric alignment is being structured.
Is this the beginning of a more tightly coordinated U.S.-led bloc?
Or are regional governments carefully navigating a more competitive global landscape?
This special edition of The Americas Desk will provide real-time analysis of what the Summit signals for:
- Migration enforcement and border coordination
- Organized crime and regional security cooperation
- Investment alignment and supply chain resilience
- The evolving role of China in hemispheric strategy
Format
This event follows a rapid-response, newsroom-style format:
- Live panel discussion unpacking the strategic implications of the Summit
- Recorded commentary from regional leaders, followed by immediate expert reaction
- Audience Q&A
Designed to be sharp, analytical, and forward-looking, this discussion will move beyond headlines to examine what the Summit means for the future of U.S.–Latin America relations.
Speakers
Brian Fonseca
Director, Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, Florida International University
Eric Martin
State Department and Foreign Policy Reporter, Bloomberg News
Kristina Rosales
Managing Director, Kairos Public Affairs
Diego Area
President & CEO, Global Americans (Moderator)
