RUSI Latin American Security Conference 2024: Promoting Cooperation to Meet Evolving Challenges

The Rt Hon James Heappey MP, Minister of State, Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence

Keynote chair: Karin von Hippel, Director-General, RUSI

How do historical, economic and cultural factors shape the intricate web of geopolitical interests and alliances in Latin America, and what implications do these dynamics hold for regional stability and cooperation? In a globalised world, how can the UK and Latin American countries balance their own geopolitical ambitions and priorities, while simultaneously navigating potential power struggles and divergent objectives? 

Robert Tinline, Head of Latin America, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Nick Zimmerman, Founding Partner of Dinámica Americas
Antonio Patriota, Brazil’s Ambassador to the UK
Maria Luisa Puig, Director Latin America, Eurasia Group

Chair: Jeremy Browne, CEO, Canning House

How can countries in different regions effectively come together to establish multilateral defence alliances, and what are the key challenges and opportunities in fostering collaborative security initiatives to address shared regional and global threats? What role do advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and information sharing platforms play in improving defence cooperation mechanisms between countries, and how can these innovations be harnessed to optimise joint security efforts?

Cdre Stephen Anderson, Deputy Director J5 Allied Integration USSOUTHCOM, Royal Navy
Karen Meier, Head of International Affairs, Ministry of Defence of Chile
Paul Angelo, Director, William J Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies
Victoria Bird Ruiz-Benitez de Lugo, Conflict and Stabilisation Adviser, Office for Conflict, Stabilisation and Mediation (OCSM)

Chair: Vice Admiral (retd) Ignacio Mardones, AthenaLab

How does the ongoing conflict in Ukraine resonate within the geopolitical landscape of Latin America, and what are the potential implications for regional alliances, diplomatic relations and security dynamics in the context of the war? Drawing from historical experiences, how can lessons from past conflicts in Latin America contribute to a nuanced understanding of conflict resolution, peacebuilding and post-war recovery, and how might these insights be applied to the case of Ukraine?

Ruslan Spirin, Ukraine Special Representative for Latin America

Keynote chair: Vinicius de Carvalho, Professor in Latin American Studies, King’s College London 

How can diplomatic initiatives such as cultural exchange programmes, trade agreements and people-to-people diplomacy contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between the UK and Latin American countries, while navigating historical, geopolitical and cultural complexities? How can both the UK and Latin American countries effectively employ soft power tools including media, education and cultural initiatives to foster positive public perceptions, promote dialogue and nurture long-lasting relationships that contribute to a stronger partnership?

Brian Fonseca, Director, Jack D Gordon Institute for Public Policy, Florida International University
David Lelliott OBE, UK Ambassador to El Salvador
Vitoria Nabas, Head of Immigration, Gunnercooke Group 
Anna McMorrin MP, Shadow Minister for the Americas

Chair: David Gallagher, Chile’s former Ambassador to the UK and Distinguished Fellow, RUSI 

What innovative approaches and technologies can be employed to integrate climate-smart design, resilient infrastructure development and responsible critical mineral management, facilitating a forward-looking approach to regional sustainability and security? What strategies can be devised and implemented to prevent and mitigate the threats posed by violence and organised crime to critical infrastructure, and how can international cooperation and intelligence sharing contribute to enhancing security measures across Latin America? 

Pedro Burelli, Executive Director, B+V Advisors 
Randy Pestana, Associate Director, Jack D Gordon Institute for Public Policy, Florida International University
Alison Treppel, Executive Secretary, CICTE OAS
Pilar Lizana, Senior Researcher, AthenaLab

Chair: Fiona Clouder, former UK Regional Ambassador for Latin America and the Caribbean COP 26 and Distinguished Fellow, RUSI 

How does the nexus between democracy and security unfold in Latin America? What are the prospects for democracy fighters in the region in the face on political violence and autocratic regimes? How can governments and civil society advance the cause of development and human security? What are the prospects for democratic governance and where does Latin America sit in the global network of pro-democracy movements?

Leopoldo Lopez, Co-founder World Liberty Progress

Carlos Solar, Senior Research Fellow, Latin American Security, RUSI