Emerging Threats Archives - Diálogo Américas

Following the Data, Not Just the Money: New Tools to Target Transnational Crime Finances

Transnational criminal organizations are increasingly sophisticated in the ways they conceal illicit proceeds, combining cryptocurrencies, digital platforms, and traditional financial systems. In response, authorities across the hemisphere are strengthening their investigative capabilities. One recent case emerged in Chile, where an investigation dismantled a network linked to the Tren de Aragua that allegedly moved millions of dollars through cryptoassets, front companies,…

September 21, 2026

Panama Strengthens Maritime, Border, and Cybersecurity Capabilities with US Support

Panama continues to strengthen its security forces’ ability to monitor its land borders, maritime domain, and digital networks in a more coordinated manner to counter threats posed by transnational organized crime. As part of that effort, the United States delivered more than $5 million in maritime, border, and cybersecurity equipment in June to Panama’s National Border Service (SENAFRONT) and National…

September 17, 2026

Central America Strengthens Aerial Surveillance Against Transnational Crime

Central American security forces are incorporating unmanned aerial systems and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to counter increasingly mobile and technologically sophisticated criminal organizations. These tools expand surveillance over borders, coastlines, and remote forested areas, at a time when criminal networks themselves are also using drones to monitor their surroundings, transport illicit goods, and support other illegal activities. Situational…

September 11, 2026

Panama Strengthens Cyber Defense to Protect Critical Infrastructure

Panama is strengthening its ability to protect the digital systems that support government operations and critical infrastructure. The country recently advanced this effort by operationalizing its State Cybersecurity Operations Center, designed to continuously monitor government networks, improve incident response, and strengthen protection against increasingly sophisticated threats. Led by the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG), the initiative forms part of…

August 31, 2026

Argentina’s Push to Strengthen Its Aerospace Capabilities

As space becomes increasingly important to security and defense, Argentina is strengthening its aerospace capabilities to enhance surveillance of its territory, integrate satellite-derived information, and expand cooperation with regional and international partners. Leading that effort is Major General Plinio Guillermo Poma, commander of the Argentine Armed Forces Joint Aerospace Command (COCAE). An Argentine Air Force officer and fighter pilot, Maj.…

July 22, 2026

Trusted Technology: Taiwan and the United States Strengthen Latin America’s Digital Security

Artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure are becoming increasingly important components of national security in Latin America. As government modernize public services and expand digital networks, concerns about cyberattacks, data protection, technological dependence, and the security of critical systems are moving closer to the center of national security planning. In response, several countries are expanding technology partnerships designed to…

July 14, 2026

Gen. Reynoso: ‘Space is the New Frontier for our Armed Forces’

With nearly three decades of service in the Dominican Air Force and extensive experience in joint operations, intelligence, and international cooperation, Brigadier General Jonás Reynoso Barrera, executive director of the National Antiterrorism Directorate (DNA), has played a key role in strengthening the country’s defense and security capabilities. His career includes serving as liaison officer to Joint Interagency Task Force South…

July 08, 2026

Drones: Accessible Technology Reshaping Threats and Strategies in Latin America

In recent years, commercially available drones have transformed capabilities once largely associated with advanced militaries into accessible tools reshaping security dynamics across Latin America. Lower costs, rapid technological diffusion, and growing weaponization of commercial drones by non-state actors have turned these platforms into an increasingly important factor in regional security and defense. According to the Florida International University (FIU) and…

July 06, 2026

Chinese EVs in Brazil: Connectivity, Data, and Strategic Risks

The expansion of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in Brazil continues to accelerate, fueling growing concerns related to cybersecurity and the possible dual-use — civilian and strategic — nature of the technologies integrated into these vehicles. Unlike traditional automobiles, modern EVs increasingly function as mobile digital platforms capable of collecting, processing, and transmitting vast amounts of sensitive data in real time.…

June 11, 2026

Peru Bets on Sovereign Capabilities in the Space and Cyber Domains

With more than 30 years of service in the Peruvian Air Force, Major General Mariano Nieves Rodríguez Llerena now leads the country’s efforts in two of the most strategic and emerging domains of modern defense: space and cyberspace. Commander of the Peruvian Air Force Space and Cyberspace Command and a fighter pilot with extensive international cooperation experience, Maj. Gen. Rodríguez…

June 04, 2026

Chinese Cyber Espionage Puts Latin America’s Critical Infrastructure at Risk

Nearly a decade had passed since they began operating in the shadows. The Gallium group — tracked by Google under the designation UNC2814 — moved silently through government and corporate networks in dozens of countries, gaining access, extracting information, and refining its methods without triggering visible alarms. In February, Reuters reported that UNC2814 had compromised at least 53 organizations in…

June 03, 2026

Space Conference of the Americas: Space Challenges Know No Borders

As space becomes increasingly important for security, defense, disaster response, and technological development, military leaders and representatives from partner nations from across the hemisphere gathered at U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters in Doral, Florida, April 28–30, for the Space Conference of the Americas 2026, hosted by SOUTHCOM in collaboration with U.S. Space Command (SPACECOM). The conference brought together senior military…

May 18, 2026

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Special Report

For decades, Ecuador was perceived as an exception in a region plagued by drug trafficking, armed violence, and criminal capture of the state. While neighboring countries faced open wars between cartels and state forces, Ecuador seemed to remain on the sidelines of these dynamics. That image began to slowly crack and finally collapsed in January […]