The Biden Administration's Western Hemisphere Policies with Brian A. Nichols

Speakers: 

• Brian A. Nichols, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State
• Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Americas Society/Council of the Americas

"Our commitment to the Western Hemisphere has not and will not falter," said the State Department's Brian A. Nichols in an event hosted by Americas Society/Council of the Americas. Ambassador Nichols spoke about Washington's commitments to democracy in the region, citing the Biden administration's work in upholding due process in Guatemala's presidential elections and supporting  the Ecuadoran government in its fight against narco-violence. He also outlined efforts around democratic challenges in the region, including in Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Following the remarks, Ambassador Nichols spoke one-on-one with AS/COA's Eric Farnsworth. The conversation spanned topics from the crisis in Haiti—which he said has "the humanitarian proportions that demand a global response way the international community is responding to the challenges in Ukraine or in Gaza"—to Venezuela's now-July elections. On the latter, Ambassador Nichols said, "the incentives that we…have put on the table to move toward a competitive election in Venezuela have not been sufficient to motivate…openness" from the Maduro regime. 

Ambassador Nichols views the region as full of opportunities, from Argentina's critical minerals to partnerships in communities near the U.S.-Mexico border. “There’s no region that’s more important for the United States than the Western Hemisphere,” he said, noting that the region should work together on issues, such as migration, democracy, and climate change.