Inter-American Dialogue

The Inter-American Dialogue is the leading US center for policy analysis, exchange, and communication on Western Hemisphere affairs, dedicated to advancing a regional agenda of democratic governance, prosperity, and social equity. Its mission is to bring together public and private leaders from around the world to debate the most critical issues facing the Americas and find cooperative solutions to common challenges. Laura Chinchilla was president of Costa Rica from 2010 to 2014. She previously served as vice president and minister of justice under Dialogue member Óscar Arias and as a member of the National Assembly from 2002 to 2006. Chinchilla has been a member of the Inter-American Dialogue since 2014. Chinchilla graduated from the University of Costa Rica and received her master's in public policy from Georgetown University. Prior to entering politics, Chinchilla worked as an NGO consultant in Latin America and Africa, specializing in judicial reform and public security issues. Tom Shannon spent over 30 years in the foreign service, most recently as under-secretary of state for political affairs in the US Department of State from 2016-2018. He previously served as counselor and senior advisor to the secretary following a four-year term as US ambassador to Brazil. Shannon served as assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs from 2005-2009 and as special assistant to the president and senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs at the National Security Council from 2003 to 2005, among other senior roles across the region.