Alejandro Werner
Georgetown Americas Institute
Alejandro Werner joined the Georgetown Americas Institute as founding director in March 2022. His expertise is in economic outlook, emerging markets, monetary policy, currency, financial crises, and fiscal policy in Latin America.
International activities include:
- Served as director of the Western Hemisphere Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from January 2013 to August 2021.
- Taught at Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), Instituto de Empresa, and Yale University.
- Authored multiple articles and Peru: Staying the Course of Economic Success (2015).
- Served as undersecretary of finance and public credit, director of economic policy and chief of staff at the Finance Ministry of Mexico, as well as director of economic studies at the Bank of Mexico and head of corporate and investment banking at BBVA-Bancomer.
- Named Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2007.
Participating in:
March 20, 2024
News: Building a North American Security Treaty
In a recent op-ed, Eduardo Guerrero proposes creating a North American Security Treaty to respond to the region's security challenges, including transnational crime and the trafficking of drugs, people, and illegal arms. Guerrero’s proposed treaty…
March 14, 2024
News: Mexican Cartels, Fentanyl, and the Global Synthetic Drugs Revolution
The Georgetown Americas Institute is pleased to host Vanda Felbab-Brown, director of the Initiative on Nonstate Armed Actors and senior fellow in the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology in the Foreign Policy Program at the…
February 12, 2024
News: Experts Reflect on Why Latin America Matters
On February 12, 2024, the Georgetown Americas Institute (GAI), in partnership with the Elcano Royal Institute for Strategic and International Studies and the Prince of Asturias Chair at the BMW Center for German and European Studies at Georgetown…
January 18, 2024
News: Experts Explore Globalization, Trade, and Regionalism in Latin America
On January 18, 2024, the Georgetown Americas Institute (GAI) hosted a conversation with experts to discuss the role that Latin America plays in current global dynamics surrounding globalization, trade, and regional integration.
January 5, 2024
News: Milei’s "Shock Therapy" Faces an Uphill Battle
The economic “shock therapy” prescribed by Javier Milei, the new libertarian president of Argentina, reflects the free market and fiscal discipline convictions of the president and his clear understanding of the small window of opportunity he has to…
September 25, 2023
News: Eduardo Levy Yeyati on an Embattled Argentine Economy and Unprecedented Election
On September 25, the Georgetown Americas Institute (GAI) hosted a conversation with GAI Visiting Fellow Eduardo Levy Yeyati to discuss the many challenges facing Argentina’s embattled economy amidst an unprecedented three-way presidential race marred…
September 22, 2023
News: Alejandro Werner Coauthored a New Report on the Economic Effects of the Pandemic in Latin America for the PIIE
Alejandro Werner coauthored a new report with José F. Ursúa on the economic effects of the pandemic in Latin America for the Peterson Institute of International Economics.
May 2, 2023
News: GAI Director Alejandro Werner Spoke with Radio Rivadavia of Argentina about the Country's Difficult Negotiations with the IMF
On April 26 GAI founding director Alejandro Werner spoke with Marcelo Longobardi of Argentina's Radio Rivadavia about the country's difficult negotiations witht the IMF, the challenges facing the government, and the pressures being placed on the IMF…
April 17, 2023
News: Argentina's Clarin Newspaper Covered GAI's Conversation with Guido Sandleris
On April 14, Argentina's Clarin covered GAI's conversation with Guido Sandleris: Can Argentina Achieve Economic Stability and Inclusive Growth? The article focuses on the former Argentine Central Bank president's recommendations for an economic…
March 30, 2023
News: GAI Director Alejandro Werner Spoke with Foreign Affairs on the Risk of the Global Economy Falling into Recession
On March 28, the Georgetown Americas Institute Founding Director Alejandro Werner spoke with Foreign Affairs about the risk of the global economy falling into recession. The publication also consulted several other global economic experts to hear…
January 20, 2023
News: Experts Reflect on the Challenges to Democracy in Brazil and the Implications for Lula’s Presidency
On January 20, the Georgetown Americas Institute (GAI) hosted a conversation with Monica de Bolle and Matias Spektor to discuss the state of Brazil’s democracy.
November 27, 2022
News: Alejandro Werner and Pedro Casas Alatriste (G"22), Co-Author New Paper "Latin America's Economic Outlook and Policy Challenges"
Alejandro Werner, founding director of the Georgetown Americas Institute, and Pedro Casas Alatriste (G"22), former president of the Latin American Policy Association at Georgetown, co-authored a paper that discusses Latin America's economic…
June 16, 2022
News: Director Alejandro Werner Participates in OECD Latin America Policy Dialogues Webinar
Alejandro Werner, Founding Director of the Georgetown Americas Institute will give a presentation on the economic performance of the region, and the region's challenges foreseen for 2022 in terms of economic recovery.
February 14, 2022
News: Alejandro Werner Discusses Shortcomings of Argentina's Deal with the IMF
Alejandro Werner, incoming founding director of the Georgetown Americas Institute, wrote an article for Americas Quarterly that details how Argentina's newest deal with the IMF does little to solve underlying problems in the country.
February 5, 2022
News: Alejandro Werner Comments on the Alberto Fernández Administration's Deal with IMF
Alejandro Werner, incoming director of the Georgetown Americas Institute, was interviewed by the Argentine newspaper La Nación to comment on the weaknesses of President Alberto Fernández's debt restructuring deal with the IMF.
February 4, 2022
News: Alejandro Werner Analyzes Argentina's New Debt Restructuring Deal with IMF
Alejandro Werner, incoming director of the Georgetown Americas Institute, joined Conecta2 on CNN en Español to offer his perspective on Argentina's debt restructuring deals with the IMF, both in 2018 and at present.
December 8, 2021
News: Alejandro Werner Discusses Brazil's Economic Path for 2022
Alejandro Werner, incoming director of the Georgetown Americas Institute, was interviewed by the Brazilian newspaper Valor Econômico to discuss Brazil's need for an "aggressive" opening of the economy to grow.
November 22, 2021
News: Alejandro Werner Analyzes Inflation in the United States and Its Repercussions in Latin America
Alejandro Werner, incoming director of the Georgetown Americas Institute, joined Oppenheimer Presenta on CNN en Español to analyze how almost 6% of inflation in the United States could have repercussions in Latin America.
January 18, 2024
Globalization, Trade, and Regionalism in Latin America and the Caribbean Event
In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the global economy has weathered a series of shocks, including U.S.-China trade disputes and the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, that are reshaping the dynamics of globalization. These changes have…
November 7, 2023
Latin America and the Polycrisis: Challenges and Opportunities Event
As Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) continue to suffer the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the region faces an increasingly unstable geopolitical and economic environment. Amidst inflationary pressures and increasing fiscal debt, coupled with…
September 1, 2022
Looking Ahead: Latin American and the Caribbean Economic and Political Outlook 2022 Event
How will Latin America and the Caribbean navigate the economic, social, and political challenges in the second half of 2022? As global financial conditions tighten, inflation tests the region’s economies, and policymakers try to preserve…
June 13, 2022
What to Expect from the Colombian Presidential Elections Event
In the first round of the presidential election, Colombians went to the polls, frustrated with the performance of the current government, the high levels of unemployment, and increased insecurity. The right leaning candidate, who had the support of…
February 23, 2022
New Opportunities for Business and Innovation in Central America Event
At a time when COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities by increasing unemployment and poverty rates, the creation of sustainable, inclusive economies in Central America is of critical importance for the region and the entire hemisphere. As…
November 18, 2021
The Colombian Peace Agreement 5 Years Later Event
Former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos reflected on the five-year anniversary of Colombia's Peace Accords with the country's oldest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People's Army (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de…
November 16, 2021
Rethinking the Northern Triangle Event
The Georgetown Americas Institute’s Central America in Focus series will host three conversations about the policy, financial, and civil society dimensions of the challenges facing the region. The series will bring together stakeholders from the…
Raúl Anibal Feliz and Alejandro Werner Analyze Mexico's Macroeconomic Forecast for the Upcoming Presidential Term Feature
The frontrunners in the June 2024 presidential elections were Claudia Sheinbaum, who represented the continuity of President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador's populist policies, and Xóchitl Gálvez, who presented a possible return to what Raul Anibal…
Mexican Cartels, Fentanyl, and the Global Synthetic Drugs Revolution Feature
The global synthetic drugs revolution has transformed the landscape of the drug trade, presenting new challenges for law enforcement, policymakers, and public health officials which require a comprehensive and coordinated response.
Synthetic Drugs: A
…
Building a North American Security Treaty Feature
In this conversation, Guerrero called for a North American security treaty between the United States, Canada, and Mexico as the region faces diverse threats to democracy and prosperity. Alejandro Werner, founding director of the Georgetown Americas…
A Conversation with Xóchitl Gálvez Feature
On February 5, 2024, the Georgetown Americas Institute at Georgetown University, Sociedad Civil México, the Georgetown University Graduate Association of Mexican Students, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and the Ibero Students…
Julio Castro on Higher Education as an Instrument of Social Mobility in Chile and Latin America Feature
Over the past few decades, Latin America has experienced notable progress in higher education enrollment, yet only around 52% of young adults have the opportunity to pursue a degree. This reality leaves millions without access to the skills and…
Experts Reflect on Why Latin America Matters Feature
Latin America’s relationships with the European Union and the United States are currently dominated by misconceptions that negatively impact integration and investment. The recently released Elcano Report "Why Does Latin America Matter?" challenges…
Experts Reflect on Why Latin America Matters Feature
Latin America’s relationships with the European Union and the United States are currently dominated by misconceptions that negatively impact integration and investment. The recently released Elcano Report "Why Does Latin America Matter?" challenges…
Reflections on Argentina’s Macroeconomic Challenges, Employment, and Poverty Under the New Milei Administration Feature
The year 2023 was a challenging one for Argentina. The country’s deteriorating social indicators and macroeconomic woes fueled a highly contested presidential election that presented voters with the choice between continuity and radical change. In…
Experts Explore Globalization, Trade, and Regionalism in Latin America Feature
The global economy is in flux. From China’s unexpected slowdown to the return of industrial policy in major economies like the United States, the world is experiencing a dramatic transformation in its economic structure. This has clear effects and…
Enrique Krauze on the Past and Future of Mexican and Latin American Democracy Feature
Latin American democracies are in transition. From the recent battles surrounding the independence of Mexico’s electoral institute to the consolidation of authoritarian regimes in Nicaragua and Venezuela, challenges to democracy abound. Yet there is…
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric Jacobstein Discusses U.S.-Central American Relations Feature
In this talk, Jacobstein outlined the two strategies fundamental to the U.S. State Department’s work in Central America: the Root Causes Strategy and the Collaborative Migration Management Strategy. He also gave an overview on Guatemala, El Salvador,…
Rev. Rordigo Zarazaga, S.J., on the Fragmentation of Politics in Argentina Feature
The national primary elections in Argentina in August 2023 left many surprises for the economically embattled country. The historic defeat of the ruling Peronist coalition Unión por la Patria (center-left) was marked by low voter turnout, the…
Eduardo Levy Yeyati on an Embattled Argentine Economy and Unprecedented Election Feature
Argentina’s protracted economic crisis is one of the central topics in current Latin American affairs. Poverty levels have increased to an astonishing 40.1%, up 3.6% over the past 12 months. Meanwhile inflation has continued to rise, reaching 124.4%…
Experts Dive Deep Into Latest Poverty Trends in Mexico Feature
The Latest News
Lustig framed the conversation by laying out recent positive and negative trends in the latest poverty data in Mexico. On a positive note, both monetary and multidimensional poverty have not only recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic…
Argentine Senators Cornejo and Schiavoni Discuss the Country’s 2023 Elections Feature
Fast-approaching nationwide primary federal elections in August 2023 are adding fuel to Argentina’s mounting economic challenges. Galloping inflation, depleted foreign currency reserves, and rising poverty rates have also weakened trust in the…
Raymundo Campos Vazquez Presents His Latest Book on Inequality in Mexico Feature
Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, the uneven distribution of wealth has long presented challenges for economic development and democratic stability. To discuss Mexico’s experience with inequality and how it has stifled the country’s growth,…
Georgetown Americas Institute and CAF- Development Bank of Latin America Sign Cooperation Agreement Feature
Following this new agreement, GAI and CAF will work together to facilitate cooperation on research and academic events addressing issues of regional significance. The MOU also lays the groundwork for future collaboration on policy events, student…
October 16, 2024
Towards a New Geometry of Global Value Chains: Lessons for the G20 Publication
Following an unprecedented surge in globalization post-WWII, notably accelerating from the mid-1980s until the 2008 financial crisis (referred to as 'hyper-globalization'), a subsequent period of 'slowbalization' emerged. The aftermath of the…
April 4, 2024
Latin America in the New Geometry of Global Supply Chains Publication
This paper assesses Latin America and the Caribbean’s (LAC) preparedness to take advantage of potential shifts in the structure of global value chains (GVC). We start by unpacking and examining the main drivers of change in global trade and…
April 1, 2023
The EU – Mercosur Association Agreement: A Unique Strategic Opportunity for the EU and Latin America Publication
The article discusses the potential for a new phase of economic integration in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in the mid-2020s, reminiscent of a similar period in the mid-1990s. The changing global trade architecture, accelerated by events…
December 14, 2022
Latin America's Economic Outlook and Policy Challenges Publication
Alejandro Werner, founding director of the Georgetown Americas Institute, and Pedro Casas Alatriste (G'22), former president of the Latin American Policy Association at Georgetown, co-authored a paper that discusses Latin America's economic…
Argentina: Finding the Center in the Age of Right-Wing Populism Video
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Fiscal Redistribution in Latin America Video
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The State of Democracy in the Americas Video
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Mexico's Social Policy Reforms and Their Impact on Poverty and Education Video
Mexico’s Prospera social inclusion program, launched in 1997 as Progresa, gave conditional cash transfers to poor families who in exchange had to meet certain health and educational requirements for their children. In 2019, the government under…
Judicial Reform in Mexico and the Possible Political and Economic Implications Video
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What is the Macroeconomic Outlook for Mexico's Next President? Video
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Latin America’s Untapped Opportunities in Global Value Chains Video
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Mexican Cartels, Fentanyl, and the Global Synthetic Drugs Revolution Video
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Mexico's 2024 Elections: What's at Stake, What's Next? Video
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In the Shadow of an Election: Perspectives on the Argentine Economy Video
In recent decades Argentina has experienced significant economic decline, plagued by high inflation, multiple debt defaults, 22 emergency financial programs with the International Monetary Fund, and increasing poverty rates. What explains the…
Latin America and the Caribbean Political and Economic Outlook 2023 Video
For more on this event, visit: For more on the Georgetown Americas Institute: https://americas.georgetown.edu
Sustainable Development in LAC: Perspectives from the Nature Conservancy Video
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) is home to some of the most biodiverse regions in the world. However, climate change is seriously impacting the hemisphere as rising temperatures, averaging a 0.2 degree Celsius increase per decade, cause…
Evaluating the International Monetary Fund's Emergency Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Video
Within the first three months of the pandemic, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) provided emergency financial assistance to more than 60 countries. The Latin America and Caribbean region received more IMF COVID-19 relief funding than any other…
Americas Symposium Video
The Georgetown Americas Institute invites you to join us for a symposium in celebration of its inaugural year. Heads of state from across the Americas will discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the region. Speakers will include…
Global Trade at A Crossroads: Perspectives from Latin America Video
The global economy is experiencing significant changes, bringing new challenges and opportunities for Latin America and the Caribbean. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and other geopolitical tensions, there was already a debate…
Informality and Wage Setting Policies in Latin America: Roundtable on Labor Market Policies Video
For decades, many Latin American economies have displayed low rates of economic growth and stagnant labor productivity accompanied by high and increasing levels of income and wage inequality. These economies are also characterized by costly and…
Desafíos actuales de la política monetaria y fiscal en América Latina Video
¿Qué ha fallado en el desarrollo económico de América Latina durante el último medio siglo? Además de períodos de malos resultados económicos, los países de la región se han visto afectados por una gran variedad de crisis económicas. En Una historia…
The Impact of the Russian Invasion on the Ukrainian, Russian, and Global Economies (Revisited) Video
In March 2022, leading economists and regional experts Sergei Guriev and Tymofiy Mylovanov discussed the economic implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, launched on February 24, 2022. Their highly illuminating discussion considered the…
The Role of Business in Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future Video
In advance of the ninth Summit of the Americas in June 2022, the Georgetown Americas Institute (GAI) convened a group of private sector leaders to provide perspectives on ways to address hemispheric challenges and opportunities while promoting…
Pensiones, Seguro Social y Estructuras del Sistema de Salud en America Latina Video
The Latin American Policy Association (LAPA) and the Georgetown Americas Institute held a discussion about pensions, social security and health structure in Latin America. With the participation of: Dr. Francisco Cepeda, President of the Ecuadorian…
Economics, Politics, Social Conditions and Markets in Latin America: What to Expect in 2022 Video
COVID-19 has claimed the lives of well over 1.6 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean. The health crisis has had an outsize impact on the region's economy with a staggering increase in poverty and unemployment, pushing inequalities in…
New Opportunities for Business and Innovation in Central America Video
At a time when COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities by increasing unemployment and poverty rates, the creation of sustainable, inclusive economies in Central America is of critical importance for the region and the entire hemisphere. As…
The Colombian Peace Agreement 5 Years Later Video
Former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos reflected on the five-year anniversary of Colombia's Peace Accords with the country's oldest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People's Army (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de…
Chile's Post-Pandemic Challenges: A Conversation with Rodrigo Cerda Video
This conversation with Minister Rodrigo Cerda, finance minister of Chile under the administration of President Sebastián Piñera, will address a number of important issues related to Chilean public policy, particularly focusing on the country’s…
Rethinking the Northern Triangle Video
The Georgetown Americas Institute’s Central America in Focus series will host three conversations about the policy, financial, and civil society dimensions of the challenges facing the region. The series will bring together stakeholders from the…
Introducing Georgetown Americas Institute Director Alejandro Werner Video
Alejandro Werner, who recently completed almost nine years as director of the Western Hemisphere Department at the International Monetary Fund, has been named the founding director of the new Georgetown Americas Institute (GAI).