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Ricardo Zuniga

Ricardo Zuniga

Ricardo Zuniga is a Founding Partner of Dinámica Americas.

He was a career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service, serving for 30 years in multiple roles, including as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Special Envoy for the Northern Triangle, and U.S. Consul General in São Paulo, Brazil, where he focused on advancing U.S. commercial relations with Brazil. Zuniga was detailed from the State Department to serve as President Obama’s principal advisor for the Americas from 2012 to 2015, during which time he worked closely with then-Vice President Biden and advised Cabinet members and other senior leaders on events in the Americas.

Ricardo was previously a member of the Advisory Board of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Latin America Program. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and served diplomatic tours in Mexico, Portugal, Cuba, Spain, and twice in Brazil.


Insights by Ricardo

Feb 26, 2025

Fernando Henrique Cardoso Foundation Talk

Fernando Henrique Cardoso Foundation

Nick Zimmerman and Ricardo Zuniga discuss the economic and political implications of the Trump administration’s foreign policy in Latin America and Brazil.

Jan 27, 2025

Trump threatens country after country with US economic weapons

Washington Post

Juan Cruz and Ricardo Zuniga assess the trajectory of U.S. economic policy under the Trump administration, especially U.S. tariff policy

Jan 8, 2025

CNN Brazil Interview

CNN

Ricardo Zuniga was interviewed about what to expect from the Trump administration in the international arena.

Jul 29, 2024

Venezuela in political standoff after disputed election

PBS News Hour

The U.S. says it has serious concerns about the election results in Venezuela after authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro declared a victory in a tumultuous presidential race. Exit polls showed a blowout win for the opposition party. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Ricardo Zuniga.

Jul 16, 2024

En las Américas, el “soft power” de Biden es relevante

Americas Quarterly

Un segundo mandato de Biden seguiría promoviendo la democracia y abordaría puntos conflictivos como Haití y Venezuela, escriben dos ex funcionarios de seguridad nacional.

Jul 16, 2024

In the Americas, Democrats’ “Soft Power Matters”

Americas Quarterly

A continuation of Biden's policies would promote democracy while addressing hotspots like Haiti and Venezuela, two former national security officials, Ricardo Zuniga and Nick Zimmerman, write.

Apr 25, 2024

AQ Podcast: What Biden 2.0 Would Mean for Latin America Policy

A review of Biden's policies towards the region and what might change if he is reelected in November with Ricardo Zuniga.

Feb 5, 2024

El Salvador’s President Wins, Despite Concerns Over Crackdown

New York Times

Nayib Bukele won a second term on Sunday, riding support for his crackdown on gangs, even if the price has been restricting civil liberties.

Jan 12, 2024

How the Biden administration helped avoid a coup in Guatemala

Washington Post

With grim predictions of waning U.S. influence around the globe — due to China’s rise and America’s own political dysfunction — Guatemala may emerge as a rare success in promoting democracy.

Dec 6, 2023

Guatemala’s High-Stakes Electoral Contest Grinds On

U.S. Institute of Peace

Guatemala’s fragile democracy faces its greatest test since the end of the conflicts in the late 20th century. Uncertainty will have significant implications for peace and prosperity. By Ricardo Zuniga

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