Organized Crime and Governance in Latin America (Video)

Organized Crime and Governance in Latin America, hosted by New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, examines how the fusion of counterterrorism and counter-cartel frameworks is fundamentally reshaping security and governance across Latin America.

Introduction by New Lines Institute: 

In the first two months of 2026, we have seen a significant shift in how the U.S. seeks to combat illicit networks and criminality abroad. U.S. policy in 2026 has shifted toward a militarized, interagency crackdown on transnational criminal networks in Latin America, underscoring Washington’s prioritization of the joint counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism file. Simultaneously, Russia’s gray-zone strategy increasingly leverages criminal networks and non-state operatives for hybrid operations across Europe, blending sabotage, recruitment of outsiders with criminal ties, and illicit activities to pressure NATO allies and undermine cohesion below the threshold of open war, a tactic that risks escalating covert tensions as these proxy networks grow in 2026. In response to these shifting risks, the New Lines Institute’s Crime-Conflict Nexus Portfolio is proud to announce the launch of its Mafiacracies Project, a new initiative that explores cases around the world in which criminal syndicates have apprehended state institutions or been co-opted by state actors. The project seeks to raise awareness of the implications of illicit actors’ proximity to governance and to identify pathways for policymakers to manage the effects of ‘mafiacracies’.

As we establish this new initiative, we are pleased to convene two discussions as part of our Mafiacracies Project launch on March 18th, 2026.

As the U.S. recalibrates its approach to crime and security in Latin America and the criminal landscape continues to evolve, this discussion convenes key experts on crime, conflict, and regional politics to explore what these shifts mean for governance, security, and illicit activity in the region. This panel features:

• • Rafaella Lipshitz, Associate Analyst, New Lines Institute (Moderator);
  • Stefano Ritondale, Chief Intelligence Officer, Astorias;
  • Dr. Will Freeman, Fellow for Latin America, the Council on Foreign Relations.
  • James Bosworth, Non-Resident Fellow, Stimson Center;
  • Dr. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, TraCCC at George Mason University

• Uploaded to Youtube on Mar 20, 2026- This discussion was held on March 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. EST.
  This online panel was part of the launch event for Mafiacracies, held on March 18. As the United States recalibrates its approach to crime and security in Latin America, and as criminal networks across the region continue to evolve, this discussion brings together leading experts to examine what these shifts mean for governance, security, and illicit activity across the region. Panelists explored the changing criminal landscape in Latin America, how organized crime is shaping state institutions and regional politics, and what these developments could mean for policymakers and observers alike.