MNEs often follow an engaged CPA approach in developed host markets, whereby they deploy political capabilities to participate actively in governments to influence political affairs. While some “difficult” political contexts in host markets frequently require a different approach. Our study shows that multilatinas -emergent-market multinationals with a Latin American country of origin- deploy a non-engaged CPA approach to sustain international operations in some Latin American political contexts that entail adapting to, rather than influencing, political affairs. We contribute by advancing this CPA approach through the conceptualization and development of adaptive political capabilities. We advocate that developed and emerging-country MNEs may benefit their internationalization by understanding how multilatinas are learning to manage international operations in “difficult” political host markets.