The Center for Latin American and Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University in Washington, DC engages scholars and practitioners to promote cutting-edge research to enrich understanding of Latin America and of Latino communities in the U.S. Our mission reflects American University's commitment to promoting knowledge in the public interest and to fostering an active, informed citizenry prepared to grapple with the challenges of the 21st century. To that end, CLALS pursues partnerships and distinct public engagement strategies consistent with its mission.
Creating and disseminating knowledge is at the core of the Center’s scholarly and institutional agenda. The research projects pursued by CLALS span various subject matter areas, including migration, the role of religion, organized crime, the environment, and more. Our current and past research projects are accessible via the left-hand navigation bar.
In designing and implementing projects, CLALS establishes dynamic partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, non-governmental and community organizations, and governmental agencies throughout the United States and Latin America. Center projects are supported through funding from external donors and agencies as well as by University resources. Learn more about our partners and funders.
CLALS disseminates its research and shares knowledge about Latin America and Latino communities through distinct public engagement strategies. These include a popular series of working papers, as well as public events featuring decision-makers, artists, and other thought leaders. CLALS also maintains the AULA Blog, which presents concise yet impactful reflections on topics relating to our mission, penned by a diverse set of authors.
CLALS Director Ernesto Castañeda publishes an annual message for Center Faculty Affiliates, Fellows, students, and other stakeholders to inform them of the Center's most important work and future plans. Read the current Message from the Director and find past messages below.
CLALS distributes an email bulletin relating news about Center initiatives, pertinent events, and research opportunities both at and around AU. Read the most recent bulletin or find past CLALS bulletins below. If you would like to be added to the distribution list, please send an email request to clals@american.edu with "bulletin" in the subject line.
The CLALS E-Brochure features informative snapshots of individual CLALS projects and programs, and is intended as a complement to the pages updated regularly on our website. Browse the E-Brochure to learn more about the work we do at the Center.
The generous support of CLALS partners plays a vital role in facilitating the Center's mission to advance and disseminate state-of-the-art research on Latin America, the Caribbean, and Latinos in the United States.
For more information on any of the following areas, or to make a gift to CLALS, please call (202) 885-6178 or email clals@american.edu.
We appreciate donors of all levels who enable us to strengthen current and future initiatives. Make Your Gift Online Today!
The AULABLOG aspires to stimulate fresh thinking and creative debate about Latin American public affairs and U.S.-Latin American relations by providing a space for concise, timely, and cutting-edge analyses of unfolding developments and long term trends. This fund supports the costs associated with producing the blog.
The Robert A. Pastor North America Research Initiative (NARI) seeks to promote and disseminate cutting edge social science research focused on processes of North American integration by supporting a network of early career scholars from Mexico, the US, Canada, and beyond. Gifts to the NARI fund will support this network of scholars by making regional workshops possible, while also helping to facilitate scholarly publications. For more information on giving to the NARI fund, please contact CLALS at clals@american.edu.
Partners provide valuable resources to maintain and expand Center projects year after year. Unrestricted gifts provide the Director with the discretion to put your money where it is needed most.
The Research Development Fund supports all facets of CLALS-sponsored faculty and student research throughout the U.S. and Latin America, including travel and participation in scholarly conferences. It also allows CLALS to collaborate with internationally renowned scholars, rising stars in academia, and respected practitioners to pursue research with long-term local and regional impact.
Recognizing the dynamic role of Latinos in U.S. public life, the Center convenes academics, practitioners, policy experts, students, and other stakeholders to address key questions and topics of concern for Latinos. Each year the Latino Public Affairs Forum focuses on a significant public policy domain that is both impacted by and important to Latino communities in the U.S.
Country and Regional Initiatives allow the Center to consolidate and expand interdisciplinary research projects related to specific settings in Latin America. Current priorities include Brazil, Mexico, Central America, and Cuba.