Research Areas
Interdisciplinary research for policy and practice
The Center advances scholarship and applied analysis across the Lusophone world, Latin America, and the Caribbean—connecting economics, security, and regional studies to real-world decision-making.
How we organize our research
Our work is organized around thematic areas that reflect the Center’s interdisciplinary strengths. Each area supports publications and policy briefs, consulting and advisory engagements, academic events, and educational programming—including study abroad and professional training.
Core themes
Research areas
Selected focus areas that guide the Center’s research agenda and applied policy work.
Development economics & inclusive growth
Poverty and inequality, labor markets, human capital, migration, and the political economy of development—grounded in rigorous empirical methods and regional context.
Financial economics, macroeconomics & policy analysis
Monetary and fiscal policy, financial stability, sovereign risk, and market dynamics—translating technical analysis into actionable insight for decision-makers.
International economics, trade & regional integration
Trade policy, supply chains, investment, and integration dynamics across the Americas and Lusophone countries, including implications for competitiveness and resilience.
International security & national security in the Americas
Security cooperation, transnational threats, governance, and strategic competition—linking economic conditions to stability and security outcomes.
Methods & training
From models to field-ready frameworks
The Center supports capacity-building through lectures and trainings that bridge academic rigor and operational relevance.
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General equilibrium modeling
Conceptual and applied training for policy analysis, scenario design, and interpretation of model outputs.
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Disaster risk reduction (Sendai Framework)
Training that connects risk governance, resilience planning, and crisis response across vulnerable communities.
Regional and cross-cutting lenses
Research that is attentive to place, language, and institutions—while engaging cross-cutting challenges that shape policy across the region.
Lusophone studies & political economy
Institutions, governance, and development trajectories across Lusophone countries and diasporas.
Latin America: governance, markets & society
Policy-relevant analysis of economic performance, institutions, and social change across the region.
Caribbean development & resilience
Small-state economics, climate vulnerability, disaster risk, and sustainable development pathways.
Security, risk & crisis response
Risk assessment and crisis-informed analysis for public-sector and humanitarian contexts.
Data, methods & evaluation
Evidence design, program evaluation, and clear communication of results for stakeholders.
Policy communication & public engagement
Policy briefs, commentary, and convenings that translate research into public value.
Working with the Center
Common questions from partners, media, and prospective collaborators.
Do you offer policy briefs and applied analysis?
Yes. We publish research outputs and policy briefs designed for decision-makers, practitioners, and the public. See Publications and Policy Briefs.
Can the Center support consulting or advisory engagements?
Yes. We provide evidence-based consulting for governments, NGOs, universities, and private organizations operating across the region. Visit Consulting Services to learn more.
Do you provide speaking engagements and trainings?
Yes. The Center offers lectures and trainings on general equilibrium modeling, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and international economics & national security.
How do study abroad programs connect to research?
Our educational programs connect scholarship with on-the-ground learning, helping participants engage regional institutions, communities, and policy questions. Explore Study Abroad Programs.
What regions do you cover?
We focus on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Lusophone countries, with a global perspective and partnerships that extend internationally.
How can I propose a collaboration or request a briefing?
Contact us with your goals, timeline, and context. We will follow up to scope a research, briefing, or advisory pathway. Use the Contact page to get started.
Partner with the Center
Request a briefing, invite a speaker, or discuss a consulting or research collaboration aligned with your institution’s needs.