Strategic Competition > Global Engagement
Engaging the Americas
Advancing Shared Prosperity and Strategic Alignment
The Western Hemisphere is America’s most immediate neighborhood and one of its greatest underleveraged assets in global strategy. Strengthening ties with Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and other partners across the Americas can bolster economic resilience, secure critical supply chains, and reinforce democratic norms. In an era of global competition, regional solidarity is a strategic necessity.
The path to global strength begins with strong neighbors.
Media & Events
🏛️ Engaging Administration or Congress, 📰 Op-Ed / Ariticle / Quoted 🎙️ Podcast ✍️ Policy Brief 👥 Roundtable / Event 🎤 Speaking 🎥 TV/Video 🌐 Global
- 🎤 Competition for the Global South: Does the U.S. Have a Value Proposition? - Panelist at the U.S. Chamber China Business Conference - May 9, 2024
🇨🇦 Canada: Deepening a Model Alliance
Canada is America’s closest ally—militarily, economically, and culturally. Bilateral collaboration spans defense integration through NORAD, energy cooperation, and continental supply chain coordination. Strategic alignment on critical minerals, semiconductors, and clean technologies is essential to competing globally. Joint action on AI standards and democratic digital governance can further anchor North American leadership.
- Mark Kennedy has visited Canad 10 times, most recently in 2023.
🇲🇽 Mexico: Anchoring North American Competitiveness
Mexico is vital to America’s economic future. From integrated manufacturing to cross-border innovation corridors, the U.S.-Mexico partnership underpins regional supply chain resilience. Supporting democratic governance, workforce development, and energy transition in Mexico strengthens the shared platform for reshoring industry and countering external dependencies.
- Mark Kennedy has visited Mexico 8 times, most recently in 2017.
🇧🇷 Brazil: Partnering with a Democratic Powerhouse in the South
As Latin America’s largest economy and democracy, Brazil plays a central role in regional and global governance. U.S.-Brazil cooperation on climate, bioeconomy, energy, and technology holds transformative potential. Advancing shared priorities—from Amazon preservation to digital transparency—can deepen mutual trust and global influence.
- Mark Kennedy has visited Brazil 12 times, most recently in 2000. He has three grandchildren that were born in Brazil.
- 👥 Teaching Global Immersion Course in Brazil - George Washington Universit GSPM - March 2014
🌎 A Hemisphere of Opportunity
The U.S. must broaden its engagement across the Americas by promoting inclusive trade, investing in digital and energy infrastructure, and countering malign influence. Latin America and the Caribbean are eager for reliable partners who offer dignity, not dependency. By leading with respect and results, the U.S. can strengthen hemispheric bonds for generations to come.
Advancing Both National Security and Economic Diplomacy in the Developing World
Courtney Fingar and I contend that restrictions on exports to protect security must be paired with opening markets for our tech products to both retain global leadership and advance economic development.
Engaging Inter American Development Bank and Ecuador
Thanks to Roberto Izurieta, Alternate Executive Director of the IDB, and Paul Quirk (on right) for hosting an engaging discussion with Soledad Peña Plaza (center), Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy of Ecuador to the US. Joined by The Wilson Center colleagues Facundo Robles and Margaret Myers (next to me)
DESPITE TARIFFS, CHINESE EV MAKERS STILL MAKE INROADS
Kennedy said that there is sharp focus from “both the [Biden] administration and Congress that we not allow USMCA to be a back door for Chinese goods that we were otherwise hoping to not be included in American supply chain.”
SECURING SEMICONDUCTOR SUPPLY CHAINS IN LATIN AMERICA
Briefed Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04) and Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-07) with Wilson Center colleagues Benjamin Gedan, Kellee Wicker and Diego Marroquin.
REFORMING MDBS FOR GLOBAL STRUCTURAL CHALLENGES IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
Conversation with Francisco Sagasti, former President of the Republic of Peru, and Alexia Latortue, Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development, US Department of the Treasury.
BUILDING A COMPETITIVE US-MEXICO BORDER CONFERENCE
Photo with Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) and leadership of the Mexico Institute - Lila Abed and Andrew Rudman.
STRATEGIC COMPETITION CALLS FOR STRENGTHENING TRADE IN THE AMERICAS
Narrowing in to understand the trade relationships between China and strategic sectors in the Western Hemisphere should be a fundamental task for [the China select] committee and the 118th Congress to undertake. Ideally, this would lead to actionable results providing tangible economic opportunities for the U.S. and its partners in the region.
EFFECTIVELY ENGAGING SHAPEHOLDERS SPEECH - BRAZILIAN
Hosted by the Brazilian Association of Institutional and Governmental Relations (Abrig) and the National Confederation of Industry (CNI)
AWARDING CHAMPION OF FREE TRADE AWARD TO JOSÉ ÁNGEL GURRÍA, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE OECD AND BOB ZOELLICK, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BANK
TEACHING AT TEC DE MONTERREY IN MONTERREY, MEXICO
STRENGTHENING U.S. - MEXICAN RELATIONS SPEECH - MEXICO CITY
TEACHING GLOBAL IMMERSION PROGRAM IN BRAZIL
With students in front of Brazil's Capitol.
MAKING TRENDS FRIENDS SPEECH
London Business School Alumni at Fundação Getulio Vargas.
🔷 Featured Insights
Critiquing Tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico - Interview on NewsNation TV with Connell McShane - March 4, 2025
Speech: Path Forward for USMCA - Hope Binational Fellowship - May 24, 2023
China's Ties to Honduras Show Its Increasing Influence - Interview on NewsNation TV - March 27, 2023
Strategic competition calls for strengthening trade in the Americas - Op-Ed in The Hill with Anders Beal - January 21, 2023