The Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA) is a US non-governmental organization (NGO) whose stated goal is to promote the common interests of the hemisphere, raise the visibility of regional affairs and increase the importance of the inter-American relationship, as well as encourage the formulation of rational and constructive U.S. policies towards Latin America. Its director is Larry Birns. The Council was founded in 1975 and is based in Washington D.C..