A defense agreement signed by Iran and Bolivia in late July, the details of which remain obscure, constitute yet another step in Tehran’s effort to cement ties with leftist governments in Latin America. The campaign to build those relations is not new, but it appears to have gained new momentum in recent months.
South America
Latin America is trending toward more militarized security strategies, a trend that could be consolidated by elections across the region in the coming 18 months. As one consequence of civilian governments and publics embracing hard-line security approaches, the region’s militaries could become more powerful and politically influential.
Peru has been struggling to regain its footing after facing a multitude of political crises and taking a devastating hit from the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the country is bracing for yet another blow with the potential to inflict more serious damage and worsen political tensions: the climate phenomenon known as El Nino.