Marco Rubio, serving as both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, delivered the keynote address on Tuesday at the 2026 Chiefs of Mission Conference. This event, organized by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) at its Doral, Florida headquarters, aims to coordinate a hemispheric strategy against narcoterrorism and the influence of rival powers.
The conference, scheduled from May 5 to 7, brings together senior U.S. government officials, heads of U.S. diplomatic missions across the region, and leaders from the Department of Defense. The theme, "Peace Through Strength," is historically linked to Ronald Reagan and embraced by the Trump administration.
SOUTHCOM outlined the conference's mission as "advancing the goals of the National Security Strategy in the hemisphere, including collaborative efforts to combat narcoterrorism and prevent adversaries from gaining a foothold in the region."
Also in attendance at the 2026 Chiefs of Mission Conference was Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. mission in Cuba. He represents Washington's diplomatic interests on the island and closely monitors the political and bilateral situation.
Rubio arrives at this conference with an unusual concentration of power in U.S. foreign policy. Since April, he has held the positions of both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, a combination previously held only by Henry Kissinger, according to TIME magazine.
This accumulation of authority has allowed Rubio to become the chief architect of Trump's hemispheric policy. The capture of Nicolás Maduro in January, who was brought to a federal court in New York on narcoterrorism charges, has been regarded as his greatest strategic victory to date.
Following this operation, Rubio crafted a three-phase plan for the Venezuelan transition: stabilization with the sale of up to 50 million barrels of oil, economic recovery with Western companies, and eventually, free elections.
Simultaneously, SOUTHCOM has stepped up its regional operations. Operation Southern Spear and Operation Absolute Resolve have achieved a 30% reduction in cartel movements, according to the command's own data.
The Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, formed in early May, now includes 18 nations following Chile's addition, and Ecuador conducted the first joint land attacks in Latin America against cartel infrastructure this month.
Regarding Cuba, Rubio has maintained a similarly strong stance. In recent statements, he expressed hope that "Cuba will fall soon" and insisted that the island's government "must change," aligning with the doctrine that equates the Cuban regime with a narcoterrorist organization.
The conference in Doral signifies the institutional consolidation of this strategy: heads of diplomatic missions from across the region sit alongside SOUTHCOM military leaders to coordinate a unified response under Rubio's direct leadership, who was included this year in the TIME100 list of the world's most influential people.
Insights into U.S. Strategy in Latin America
What is the purpose of the 2026 Chiefs of Mission Conference?
The conference aims to advance the objectives of the National Security Strategy in the hemisphere, focusing on combating narcoterrorism and preventing adversaries from gaining influence in Latin America.
How has Marco Rubio influenced U.S. foreign policy in Latin America?
Holding both the Secretary of State and National Security Advisor roles, Rubio has become the leading figure in shaping Trump's hemispheric policy, notably orchestrating strategies against figures like Nicolás Maduro.
What operations have SOUTHCOM launched in the region?
SOUTHCOM has intensified regional operations through initiatives like Operation Southern Spear and Operation Absolute Resolve, achieving a significant reduction in cartel movements.