Poll Tracker: Costa Rica's 2026 Presidential Election

Laura Fernández, President Rodrigo Chaves’ former chief-of-staff, is polling high enough to potentially avoid a runoff. Ticos vote on February 1.

Costa Rica

Democracy & Elections

Secretary Marco Rubio testifies to the U.S. Senate. (AP)

Hemispheric Updates

Trump in Latin America: Rubio Talks Venezuela, Mexico Talks Trade, Lula Talks to Trump

As President Trump starts his second year in office, read AS/COA's roundup covering the White House's Western Hemisphere strategy.

U.S. Policy

A Costa Rican looks up her voting table. (AP)

Explainers

Four Questions Driving Costa Rica's Presidential Race

Laura Fernández, running to continue President Rodrigo Chaves’ agenda, may win in the first round of a February 1 election marked by insecurity woes.

Costa Rica

Democracy & Elections

In the News

OperaWire Highlights Americas Society's Event with Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez

The event, in conjuction with Young Professionals of the Americas, will feature the founder of Sinfonía por el Perú.

Susan Segal, Jose Antonio Kast, and Rodrigo Paz

Press Releases

COA lleva a cabo eventos de alto nivel en Foro Económico de CAF en Panamá

Los presidentes de Panamá y Bolivia, así como el presidente electo de Chile, participaron en las reuniones realizadas en el marco del foro de CAF.

Press Releases

COA Holds High-Level Private Events During CAF's 2026 Economic Forum in Panama

The presidents of Panama and Bolivia, as well as Chile's president-elect, participated in meetings held within the framework of CAF's summit.

Bolivia

Panama

Chile

Press Inquiries

mediarelations@as-coa.org 1-212-277-8333

Chinese President Xi Jinping at a CELAC ministerial meeting. (AP)

LatAm in Focus: What's Ahead for China's Latin America Ties in the Great Power Game?

The Andres Bello Foundation’s Parsifal D’Sola Alvarado covers what the post-Maduro era means for Beijing’s strategy in Latin America.

Foreign Relations

LatAm in Focus: What's on the Table for Brazil's Security Issues ahead of 2026 Elections?

The Igarapé Institute’s Robert Muggah discusses the evolution of criminal activity, as well as evidence-based solutions to violence.

Brazil

Security & Defense

LatAm in Focus: Latin America in the Spotlight in 2026

Past guests rejoin us to share what to watch in the year ahead. Plus, the OAS’ Gerardo de Icaza covers polarization’s impact on elections.

Democracy & Elections

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Latin America and the Trump Doctrine: A Conversation with Juan Cruz

The former senior director for Western Hemisphere Affairs spoke at Americas Society about the U.S. president's policies in Latin America.

U.S. Policy

Book Club: Juliana Barbassa and The Jaguar's Roar

At Americas Society, the author and translator discussed her English translation of the Jabuti Prize-winning Brazilian novel.

Brazil

Arts & Culture

60 Years of Americas Society: A Conversation with Peter J. Johnson

Watch the historian and former adviser for the Rockefeller family on the history of Americas Society and more.

Arts & Culture

Americas Quarterly

What Venezuela’s Hydrocarbon Reform Won’t Fix

Updating the nation’s oil law is a necessary starting point, but its impact will most likely fade quickly, an expert writes.

The Ecuador-Colombia Trade Spat Is a Zero-Sum Game

Both countries stand to lose as their economies take hits and criminal groups benefit from a breakdown in cooperation.

AQ Podcast | A Defining Moment for Latin America

An overview of what recent events mean for the region’s political and economic outlook.