Iran's Strategic Penetration of Latin America

Edited by Ilan Berman and Joseph M. Humire - Foreword by Álvaro Uribe Vélez - Contributions by Ilan Berman; Leonardo Coutinho; Joel Hirst; Joseph M. Humire; Diego C. Naveira; Julián M. Obiglio; Adrián Oliva; Alex Pérez; Jon B. Perdue; Martin Rodil and Iván Witker

In recent years, significant attention has focused upon the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the threat they pose to the United States and the West. Far less well understood, however, has been the phenomenon of Iran’s regional advance in America’s own Hemisphere—an intrusion that has both foreign policy and national security implications for the United States and its allies. In this collection, noted specialists and regional experts examine the various facets of Iran’s contemporary presence in Central and South America, and detail what the Islamic Republic’s growing geopolitical footprint south of the U.S. border signifies, both for Iran and for the United States.

Lexington Books

Pages: 142 • Trim: 6½ x 9½

978-0-7391-8266-6 • Hardback • October 2014 • $113.00 • (£87.00)

978-1-4985-0598-7 • Paperback • March 2016 • $54.99 • (£42.00)

Subjects: Political Science / International Relations / Diplomacy, Political Science / World / General, Political Science / International Relations / Arms Control, Political Science / Security (National & International), Political Science / Terrorism, Political Science / World / Caribbean & Latin American, Political Science / World / Middle Eastern

Iran's Strategic Penetration of Latin America

Hardback

Paperback

Summary

In recent years, significant attention has focused upon the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the threat they pose to the United States and the West. Far less well understood, however, has been the phenomenon of Iran’s regional advance in America’s own Hemisphere—an intrusion that has both foreign policy and national security implications for the United States and its allies. In this collection, noted specialists and regional experts examine the various facets of Iran’s contemporary presence in Central and South America, and detail what the Islamic Republic’s growing geopolitical footprint south of the U.S. border signifies, both for Iran and for the United States.

Details

Lexington Books

Pages: 142 • Trim: 6½ x 9½

978-0-7391-8266-6 • Hardback • October 2014 • $113.00 • (£87.00)

978-1-4985-0598-7 • Paperback • March 2016 • $54.99 • (£42.00)

Subjects: Political Science / International Relations / Diplomacy, Political Science / World / General, Political Science / International Relations / Arms Control, Political Science / Security (National & International), Political Science / Terrorism, Political Science / World / Caribbean & Latin American, Political Science / World / Middle Eastern

Author

Ilan Berman is Vice President of the American Foreign Policy Council and associated faculty at Missouri State University's Department of Defense and Strategic Studies.

Joseph Humire is the executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society.

Table of Contents

Foreword, Álvaro Uribe Vélez
Preface: Iran’s Intrusion: An Overview, Joseph Humire
Chapter 1: What Iran Wants in the Americas, Ilan Berman
Chapter 2: A Marriage of Radical Ideologies, Jon B. Perdue
Chapter 3: The ALBA: Iran’s Gateway, Joel Hirst
Chapter 4: The Southern Cone: Iran's Backdoor, Iván Witker
Chapter 5: Iran and Islamic Extremism in Brazil, Leonardo Coutinho de Lima
Chapter 6: Sanctions Busting Schemes in Ecuador, Alex Pérez
Chapter 7: A Venezuelan Platform for Iran’s Military Ambitions, Martin Rodil
Chapter 8: A Bolivian Base for Iran’s Military Advisors, Adrián Oliva
Chapter 9: Rewriting History with Argentina, Julián M. Obiglio & Diego C. Naveira
Chapter 10: Anticipating Iran’s Next Moves, Joseph Humire
Chapter 11: Formulating a Hemispheric Response, Ilan Berman & Joseph Humire

Reviews

Iran's Strategic Penetration of Latin America does a good job of providing an overall picture of Iran's infiltration of South and Central America and the Caribbean. It also raises the question of what the future holds for the region.
— Family Security Matters

This dispassionate analysis of Iranian involvement in Latin America is an ambitious and successful attempt to persuade readers of the profound national security implications of Iran’s growing influence in that region. . . .Iran’s Strategic Penetration of Latin America provides one of the most current, consolidated reports on Iran’s current and past activities in the region, as well as the collective interpretation of Iranian strategic objectives in the hemisphere. Recognizing that some readers might find the theme of Iran’s Strategic Penetration radical, Humire addresses these concerns by emphasizing that many of the contributors are Latin American journalists, academics, and government leaders, thus avoiding a U.S.-centric argument. . . .For national security professionals, diplomats, and other stakeholders who are engaged in partnerships and business in Latin America, Iran’s Strategic Penetration of Latin America will serve as a wake-up call to the growing network of Iranian connections in the region and growing threat to U.S. national interests. If occasionally alarmist, it is readily apparent that Humire, Berman, and the other authors are whole-heartedly committed to illuminating Iran’s activities to the widest possible audience. After reading this informative exposé, if not yet converted, readers may be well on their way.
— Small Wars Journal