RUSI Latin American Security Conference 2026

Latin America’s security environment is evolving rapidly shaped by the interplay of transnational organised crime, climate-related pressures, technological disruption, and renewed great-power competition. At a time when global security cooperation is being tested, the UK and its Latin American partners face a defining opportunity to reimagine their strategic engagement.

The Fourth Latin American Security Conference, held on 29 January, brought together senior policymakers and experts from academia, industry and think tanks, including members of the AthenaLab team, to discuss the current and emerging challenges that threaten to destabilise the region. The discussions focused on identifying answers and pathways to promote sustainable governance in the fields of defence and security.

RUSI’s Latin American Security Programme explores how shifting global dynamics shape the region’s security and its partnerships with the UK, Europe, the US, and the Indo-Pacific. The programme promotes dialogue and practical policy ideas to strengthen regional resilience, foster defence cooperation, and advance shared approaches to global stability and democratic security.

The conference focused on:

• Exploring the future of UK–Latin American defence cooperation amid shifting global alignments.
• Assessing Latin America’s response to the Venezuelan crisis and the war in Ukraine and its implications for global order.
• Highlighting opportunities for technological and industrial collaboration between the UK and Latin America.
• Exploring opportunities for security cooperation in the South Atlantic and Antarctic.
• Addressing the evolving threats posed by organised crime and illicit economies.
• Examining Brazil’s defence posture and its role in shaping regional security frameworks.

Source: RUSI