Alfredo Yuncoza, Director at Arcus Group Consulting Company explores how Latin America can adapt to overcome security threats in 2025.

Regional challenges

The security challenges in Latin America for 2025 are emerging as multidimensional and complex, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated approach at the regional level.

The main challenges to be addressed in Latin America are:

Transnational organized crime: Transnational criminal organizations will continue to be the most significant threat.

The sophistication of these groups, enhanced by the use of emerging technologies, will demand more robust intelligence and international cooperation strategies.

In addition, the diversification of their illicit activities, such as human trafficking and arms trafficking, will further complicate the response of governments.

Cybersecurity and digital threats: Increasing digitalization will expose the region to more frequent and sophisticated cyber-attacks.

The use of generative AI in the development of malware and ransomware will present unprecedented challenges for the security of critical infrastructure and sensitive data.

The lack of standardized protocols for cybersecurity in different countries will also hinder a coordinated response.

Political instability and institutional weakening: The persistence of corruption and dissatisfaction with democratic performance could exacerbate political polarization, creating vulnerabilities that criminal groups and external actors could exploit.

The erosion of public trust in institutions can also lead to an increase in social protests, generating a cycle of violence.

Citizen security: Latin America maintains homicide rates that are three times the global average. Addressing endemic violence will require strategies that integrate prevention, institutional strengthening and socioeconomic development.

Community initiatives that promote social cohesion will be essential to reduce crime.

Hybrid threats and disinformation: The proliferation of disinformation campaigns and influence operations, powered by emerging technologies, will represent a growing challenge to political and social stability.

Social media will become a battlefield where the public narrative will be fought over.

Economic security and nearshoring: The opportunity for nearshoring could improve regional economic security, but it will also attract the attention of criminal groups, requiring protective measures for these new investments.

Strategic alliances between governments and the private sector will be crucial to mitigate risks.

Terrorism and non-state armed groups: Groups such as the ELN and the FARC dissidents, among others, will continue to represent significant threats, demanding counterterrorism strategies adapted to the Latin American context.

International collaboration will be vital to dismantle their operational networks.

Environmental challenges and human security: The impacts of climate change could exacerbate food and water insecurity, potentially generating conflict and forced migration.

Sustainable management of natural resources will be essential to prevent humanitarian crises.

Regulation of emerging technologies: The need for regulatory frameworks for technologies such as generative AI will be crucial to mitigate associated security risks.

This will include establishing ethical standards that guide technological development.

Cybersecurity capacity building: The shortage of cybersecurity professionals will require significant investments in training and capacity building.

Building partnerships between the education sector and technology companies will be essential.

Addressing these challenges will require a multi-sectoral approach that combines institutional strengthening, international cooperation, technological innovation and sustainable development policies.

The ability to adapt and anticipate emerging threats will be essential to ensure security and stability in the region during 2025 and beyond.

Alfredo Yuncoza

Alfredo has a professional career spanning more than 40 years.

He is currently a consultant in strategic risk management for several organizations in America.

He has been a guest speaker at various international security events where he has interacted with nearly 16,000 professionals.

His more than 600 articles have been published in media in the US, UK, Argentina, Spain, Mexico, Chile and Venezuela.

Alfredo is a member of the CSO Leadership and Development Committee at ASIS International and President and Ffounder of the Latin Advisory Council of the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO).

This article was originally published in the special February Influencers Edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.