Iran's Strategic Penetration of Latin America

(Hardback)

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Description

In recent years, significant attention has focused upon the Islamic Republic of Irans nuclear ambitions, and the threat they pose to the United States and the West. Far less well understood, however, has been the phenomenon of Irans regional advance in Americas own Hemispherean 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 Irans contemporary presence in Central and South America, and detail what the Islamic Republics growing geopolitical footprint south of the U.S. border signifies, both for Iran and for the United States.

Reviews

Washington think-tank leaders Humire (Center for a Secure Free Society) and Berman (American Foreign Policy Council) argue that there is a threatening link between Iraniam radicalism and Latin American leftist populist regimes. They have assembled a group of Latin American former military and intelligence officers, public officeholders, journalists, and academics to provide country-specific cases of howthrough mainly covert, clandestine operationsIran has intruded into Latin America, thereby posing a threat to democratic regimes. The goal of the volume is to expose Iran's systematic, long-term strategy to expand its influence and capability in the Western Hemisphere and to prompt greater US engagement to counter the intrusion and its disruptive influence. The work is up-to-date in its coverage of regional events, but it maintains a very specialized focus. Recommended for those libraries with extensive holdings on Latin American politics. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers. * CHOICE *
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 Irans growing influence in that region. . . .Irans Strategic Penetration of Latin America provides one of the most current, consolidated reports on Irans 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 Irans 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, Irans 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 Irans activities to the widest possible audience. After reading this informative expos, if not yet converted, readers may be well on their way. * Small Wars Journal *
When the late Hugo Chvez proclaimed Venezuela's Axis of Unity with Iran in July 2006, many western intelligence agencies did not take him seriously. Eight years later, this union has enabled Irans feared Revolutionary Guards and othermilitary and intelligence assets to have a robust presence in the Western Hemisphere. Sadly, the majority of Latin Americans are still ignorant of this threat that Joseph Humire and Ilan Berman present in this important and timely book. Hopefully, this will serve as a wake-up call to my fellow countrymen. -- Diego E. Arria, former president of the United Nations Security Council and presidential candidate in Venezuela
There is a lot going on in Latin America that is having and will continue to have a significant political and security impact on the regionand the United States. One extremely important issue centers on Irans (and Hezbollahs) covert activities. Joseph Humire and Ilan Berman have brought together an impressive array of authorities who spell out the complexity and relevance of Irans covert efforts in the Americas. This book should be required reading for anyone in the Western Hemisphere concerned with the security and well-being of themselves, their children, and their grandchildren. -- Max G. Manwaring, Strategic Studies Institute, U.S. Army War College

Author Bio

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.