Trump's efforts to influence governments in the region in pursuit of his security strategy are effective, but unlikely to substantially curb organized crime and drug trafficking.
Militarized responses to organized crime are likely to spread further as governments adopt tough-on-crime measures and the US exerts more pressure.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacts gang violence and activity in Central America as criminal actors adapt to new restrictions.
Latin America faces diverse political disorders, with gangs challenging state control and protests erupting despite repression.