Wilson Center Experts
Eric L. Olson
Associate Director, Latin American Program
Latin American Program
Contact Information:
T 202/691-4336
// F 202/691-4001
Expertise:
Democracy
; Security and Defense
; Border Security
; International Security
; Organized Crime
; Crime
; Drugs
; Latin America
Eric L. Olson is the Associate Director of the Latin American Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC. His research and writing has focused primarily on security issues and the impacts of crime, organized crime, and violence on democracies. He has also written about police reform and judicial institutions as a vehicle for addressing the problem of rapidly expanding crime in the Americas. He has traveled extensively in Mexico, Central America and the Andes. Prior to joining the Wilson Center he was a Senior Specialist in the Department for Promotion of Good Governance at the Organization of American States from 2006-2007. He served as the Interim-Director for Government Relations at Amnesty International USA, and was Amnesty's Advocacy Director for the Americas from 2002-2006. Prior to Amnesty, he was the Senior Associate for Mexico, and Economic Policy at the Washington Office on Latin America for eight years. He worked at Augsburg College's Center for Global Education in Cuernavaca, Mexico from 1989-1993 where he was the program director. From 1986-1988, he worked in Honduras, Central America as a development specialist for several local non-governmental organizations. He has testified before the United States Congress on several occasions, appeared in numerous press stories as an expert commentator on human rights, drug policy and organized crime.
Education
M.A., International Affairs, American University; B.A., History and Secondary Education, Trinity College
Experience
Organization of American States, Senior Specialist, Program for Universal Civil Registry in the Americas and Department for Promotion of Good Governance; Amnesty International, Advocacy Director for the Americas; Washington Office On Latin America, Senior Associate for Mexico and Economic Policy, Inter-American Foundation, Foundation Representative; legislative assistant, United States House of Representatives
Expertise
U.S.-Mexico relations; U.S.-Latin America relations; Human Rights; Drug Policy; Organized Crime
Major Publications
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Book Review of "My Country: Insights to Understand and Change Mexico"
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Organized Crime in Central America: The Northern Triangle, Report on the Americas #29
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Public Statement before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Narcotics Affairs. "Challenges and Opportunities for the U.S. and Mexico to Disrupt Firearms Trafficking to Mexico." March 31, 2011
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"A Profile of Mexico's Major Organized Crime Groups." By: Eric L. Olson and Miguel R. Salazar, February 2011
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"Editorial: How 2011 Could Be Better For Mexico." Dallas Morning News. By Eric Olson, January 22, 2011
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"GAO Report Finds Merida Initiative Needs Better Performance Measures: Pace of Delivery Slow but Improving." By Eric L. Olson and Christopher E. Wilson, July 2010
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"Beyond Merida: The Evolving Approach to Security Cooperation." By Christopher E. Wilson and Eric Olson, May 2010
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"Shattered Dreams and Restoring Hope: Organized crime and violence on the U.S.-Mexico border. Reflections on a trip to the border. By Eric L. Olson, February 2010
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Testimony by Eric L. Olson before the House Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Transnational Drug Enterprises: Threats to Global Stability and U.S. National Security from Southwest Asia, Latin America, and West Africa (October 1, 2009)
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Police Reform and Modernization in Mexico, 2009 (Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Merida Initiative Portal, September 2009)
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"Threatened on all Fronts: Strengthening Security Cooperation to Confront Organized Crime," in The United States and Mexico: Towards a Strategic Partnership, (Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Mexico Institute, February 2009)
Related Content for this Expert
Mexico Institute in the News: Elections results protests are shrinking in Mexico — here’s why
Jul 24, 2012The second weekend of July, only 4,000 people attended a protest that was mostly spontaneous, and this weekend, a marcha that was organized by the #YoSoy132 student movement [and other social groups] and promoted as part of a new strategy to “resist” the “imposition” of PRI candidate Enrique Peña Nieto, only garnered some 30,000 people.
Does this mean that the #YoSoy132 student movement and the rest of the “anti-imposition” crowd is losing support?.. The Mexico Institute's Eric Olson comments.
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Mexico Institute in the News: Elite units proposed to tackle Mexico crime
Jul 08, 2012The top security adviser for Mexico’s next president said on Friday that he is recommending the creation of elite units of police and troops who will target not just major drug traffickers but also lower-level cartel hitmen as a way of swiftly reducing violence...The Mexico Institute's Eric Olson comments.
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Mexico Institute in the News: Mexico’s Telenovela President: Enrique Peña Nieto’s Saga of Scandal, Gaffes, and Connections
Jul 03, 2012The personal life of Mexico's next president, Enrique Peña Nieto, reads like a telenovela script. It could be called "Because you know me," which was his campaign slogan, as the personal affairs of Mexico's next president have become public...The Mexico Institute's Eric Olson comments. more
Mexico Institute in the News: Commentary on the Mexican Elections by Mexico Institute Staff and Colleagues
Jul 03, 2012For deeper analysis and background on the July 1 elections in Mexico, we have collected a selection of insights from Mexico Institute staff and colleagues on the PRI's rise to power, the prospects for security, economic, and energy policy, the impact on U.S.-Mexico relations and the future of Mexican democracy. This list will be continually updated on the Mexico Institute homepage as more articles are released. more
Mexico Institute in the News: Mexico's Presidential Election Results
Jul 02, 2012The Wilson Center's Eric Olson discusses how the results of Mexico's presidential election will impact the drug wars, the country's changing economic picture and U.S.-Mexico relations on NPR's The Diane Rehm Show. more
Mexico Institute in the News: Mexicans Lukewarm About the Presidential Election
Jun 30, 2012Unlike the past two elections this one has not stirred passions...The Mexico Institute's Eric Olson comments on NPR's Weekend Edition. more
Mexico’s 2012 Election in Perspective: Review and Analysis of the July 1st Results
July 09, 2012 // 9:00am — 10:30am
On July 1st Mexican citizens went to the polls to choose their next president, congress, mayor of Mexico City, and six governors. The victory of Enrique Peña Nieto and the Institutional Revolutionary Party was predicted by pollsters, but his margin of victory was less than expected. The Mexico Institute invited several experts to analyze the results. more
Mexico’s 2012 Elections: Key Issues and Critical Questions Now and Beyond
Jun 18, 2012In this report the Wilson Center's Eric L. Olson analyzes the upcoming Mexican election, specifically the candidate's foreign policy positions and what may change should the PRI win the election. more
Mexico Institute in the News: Who will win the Mexican election?
Jun 12, 2012As Mexico's presidential race enters its final weeks, we ask if anyone can stop Enrique Pena Nieto from winning. The Mexico Institute's Eric L. Olson comments. more
Mexico Institute in the News: Mexican Presidential Candidates: Change is Needed to Stop Drug Wars
Jun 11, 2012Could it be that the Mexican people have finally had enough with the drug wars in Mexico? Enough to scrap the current policy of pitting the Mexican army against the drug lords and cartels? The Mexico Institute's Eric L. Olson comments. more
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Latin American Program in the News: Obama begins bilateral meeting with Peña Nieto
May 06, 2013Associate Eric L. Olson comments on concerns shared by U.S. officials regarding the new Mexican government, which seems less inclined to provide the same level of deep cooperation with U.S. law enforcement officers in cracking down on bi-national arms trafficking. This was also published in NorthJersey and in Tico Times.
Latin American Program in the News: Central America struggles to unite for Obama trip
May 06, 2013Director Cynthia J. Arnson and Associate Director Eric Olson comment on internal rivalries between Central American nations regarding security-oriented foreign aid and the concern that has gripped the White House concerning the region's deterioration in security. This was also published in the Hufftington Post, the Daily Journal, The Examiner, ABC News, Yahoo Finance, The Guardian, TimesOnline, Caribbean Business, and many other media outlets.
Latin American Program in the News: Central American leaders must step up to ensure security
May 06, 2013Director Cynthia J. Arnson and Associate Director Eric Olson comment on endemic social exclusion and the lack of opportunities for youth as tasks that should be shared by the international community with Central American countries taking a leading role to combat them.
Latin American Program in the News: In U.S.-Mexico Relations, a Shift from Security to Economy
May 06, 2013Cynthia Arnson, Eric Olson and Chris Wilson and commented on the Obama’s trip to Mexico and Costa Rica. Their comments were mentioned in this article about the issues that are going to be discussed with Obama’s visit to the region. This was also published in Worldland news.
Latin American Program in the News: U.S. officials await signal from new Mexican government on security ties
Apr 29, 2013Associate Director Eric Olson commented on the future security cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. on the occasion of the Obama trip to that country this week.
Latin American Program in the News: Julieta Castellanos Receives International Women of Courage Award in Washington
Apr 19, 2013This article highlighted an award ceremony in which Associate Director, Eric Olson, participated and proudly represented the Latin American Program.
Latin American Program in the News: Venezuelan special election still puts Capriles against ghost of Chavez
Apr 16, 2013The Latin American Program's associate director, Eric Olson, speaks with Rob Sach about the election and the future of Venezuela.
Latin American Program in the News: China seen favorably in Latin America
Apr 02, 2013This article analyzes the image of China in Latin America according to a survey presented in the Wilson Center.
Latin American Program in the News: México y EU revisarán la Iniciativa Mérida
Apr 01, 2013Associate Director, Eric L. Olson, weighs in on the U.S.-Mexican revision of the Mérida Initiative.
Latin American Program in the News: México y Estados Unidos revisarán la Iniciativa Mérida
Mar 28, 2013Associate Director Eric Olson comments on the impact that the Mérida Initiative has had in Mexico. (In Spanish)
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Disrupting Money Laundering by Mexican Transnational Organized Crime
May 18, 2012 // 8:30am — 10:00am
Proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs and other trafficking activities are the life-blood of transnational organized crime. The process of “laundering” this money is a critical element in the criminal enterprise, but governmental efforts to disrupt the flow of dirty money have had mixed results.
Javier Arturo Valdez Cárdenas, 2011 Committee to Protect Journalists International Press Freedom Awardee
November 18, 2011 // 9:00am — 10:30am
The Woodrow Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute was pleased to host a discussion with Javier Arturo Valdez Cárdenas; 2011 Committee to Protect Journalists International Press Freedom Awardee.
The Peace Movement in Mexico: Efforts to bring justice to the victims of violence in the country
October 27, 2011 // 3:00pm — 4:30pm
On October 27th, 2011, the Mexico Institute was pleased to host renowned Mexican poet Javier Sicilia's for a discussion on the current state of violence in his home country. Sicilia was joined by colleagues from the movement he co-founded: Peace Movement in Mexico.
Dialogues with Mexico/Diálogos con México featuring Andrés Manuel López Obrador
October 11, 2011 // 10:00am — 11:15am
The Mexico Institute was pleased to host the latest installment in the series of Dialogues with Mexico/Diálogos con México, featuring Andrés Manuel López Obrador, former mayor of Mexico City.
Is the Border Broken? Rethinking the Conventional Wisdom
September 12, 2011 // 4:00pm
The Mexico Institute in conjunction with the Immigration Policy Center, hosted a discussion with key researches and policy makers to discuss the complexities of U.S.-Mexico border policies.
Mexico's Presidential Elections: Implications for the U.S. Relationship with its Neighbor Next Door
June 28, 2011 // 12:00pm — 1:15pm
Once every twelve years, presidential elections in Mexico and the United States fall in the same year. Mexico Institute Director Andrew Selee and Senior Associate Eric L. Olson examined the current political landscape in Mexico and the implications for the 2012 presidential elections in both countries.
U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation Pillar IV: Building Strong and Resilient Border Communities
April 27, 2011 // 9:00am — 1:00pm
The conference, U.S.-Mexico Security Cooperation Pillar IV: Building Strong and Resilient Border Communities, examined underlying issues,such as chronic underemployment and rising domestic drug consumption, that fuel organized crime in Mexico and brought together key border-region stakeholders to discuss the implementation of new government policies aimed at addressing the root causes of organized crime proliferation.
Mexico's Democratic Challenges: Politics, Government and Society
November 15, 2010 // 10:00am — 1:30pm
Emerging Trends in Environment and Economic Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean
July 22, 2010 // 9:30am — 12:30pm
Economic development and environmental sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean are intrinsically connected. Experts discuss trends likely to shape the economy and natural environment in the region for the next 10 years.
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The State of the Border Report
May 23, 2013As the debate over immigration reform has brought the management of the U.S.-Mexico border back into the spotlight, this report provides a comprehensive look at the state of affairs in the management of the U.S.-Mexico border and the border region, focusing on four core areas: trade and competitiveness, security, sustainability, and quality of life. The report suggests that rather than consider each issue individually, the interdependent nature of topics like trade and security demand the border be approached from a more holistic perspective.
New Ideas for a New Era: Policy Options for the Next Stage in U.S.-Mexico Relations
May 01, 2013The Mexico Institute presents policy recommendations for strengthening U.S.-Mexico relations during the administrations of President Obama and President Peña Nieto.
Crime and Violence in Mexico and Central America: An Evolving But Incomplete US Policy Response
Jan 01, 2013In this report, we first survey the causes for the rise of violent crime in Mexico, and the Northern Triangle of Central America. We then look at the US policy response to date. We conclude by offering a few suggestions on how the US policy response could be significantly improved in the short and medium term to respond better to the underlying challenges that the countries of the region are facing, problems in which our own country is deeply implicated.
Eric Olson's Review of Denise Dresser's "My Country: Insights To Understand and Change Mexico"
Nov 01, 2012In El país de uno: Reflexiones para entender y cambiar a México (My Country: Insights to Understand and Change Mexico), Denise Dresser concludes that Mexico has no one to blame but itself for its lackluster performance.
The State of Security in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region
Aug 28, 2012"The State of Security in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region," is a new working paper by the Border Research Partnership, and will be a chapter in the forthcoming "State of the Border Report." This working paper looks at some of the many security concerns along the U.S. border, among them global terrorism, spillover violence from Mexico, and undocumented immigration.
Mexico’s 2012 Elections: Key Issues and Critical Questions Now and Beyond
Jun 18, 2012In this report the Wilson Center's Eric L. Olson analyzes the upcoming Mexican election, specifically the candidate's foreign policy positions and what may change should the PRI win the election.
Considering New Strategies for Confronting Organized Crime in Mexico
Mar 29, 2012The Mexico Institute presents a new publication on U.S.-Mexico security cooperation by Senior Associate Eric L. Olson that challenges the conventional wisdom about crime and violence in Mexico and suggests new strategies for effectively addressing the security threats posed by organized crime.
A Review of "My Country: Insights to Understand and Change Mexico"
Feb 01, 2012Eric L. Olson, Senior Associate at the Mexico institute, has reviewed Denise Dresser's book titled "My Country: Insights to Understand and Change Mexico". The review appears on page 10 of the recent issue of 'Americas Quarterly' for winter the of 2012.
Organized Crime in Central America: The Northern Triangle
Sep 14, 2011This publication attempts to create a better understanding of the nature, origins, and evolution of organized crime in Central America by examining the dynamics of organized crime in the three countries of the so-called Northern Triangle as well as the broader regional context that links these case studies.
Shared Responsibility
Jul 07, 2011This publication examines specific challenges for security cooperation between the United States and Mexico including efforts to address the consumption of narcotics, money laundering, arms trafficking, intelligence sharing, policy strengthening, judicial reform, civil-military relations, and the protection of journalists.
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The Untold War & After Chavez
Mar 20, 2013 to Mar 26, 2013
Nancy Sherman explores the psychological and moral burdens borne by those in the U.S. military. Eric Olson discusses the legacy of Hugo Chavez on Venezuela and Latin America.
Wilson Spotlight: Mexico's Drug War
Jun 21, 2010 to Jun 27, 2010
Andrew Selee is director of the Mexico Institute, having previously served as senior program associate for the Latin American Program. Prior to that, he served as professional staff for the United States House of Representatives. Eric Olson is senior advisor to the Security Initiative of the Mexico Institute. Prior to joining the Wilson Center, he worked with the Organization of American States and also with Amnesty International U.S.A.
Wilson Spotlight: Mexico's Drug War
Apr 26, 2010 to May 02, 2010
Andrew Selee is director of the Mexico Institute, having previously served as senior program associate for the Latin American Program. Prior to that, he served as professional staff for the United States House of Representatives.
Eric Olson is senior advisor to the Security Initiative of the Mexico Institute. Prior to joining the Wilson Center, he worked with the Organization of American States and also with Amnesty International U.S.A.
