Rethinking Post-Cold War Russian-Latin American Relations

Russia has become a prominent external actor in Latin America and the Caribbean, but few books have attempted to understand the reasons behind its return and Moscows continuous engagement in the region. This volume offers the first interdisciplinary study of Russian-Latin American relations after the end of the Cold War, re-examining the Soviet legacy and providing a detailed case study analysis of Russias bilateral relations with Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. It will be of interest to readers of international relations and area studies, historians of modern Latin America, migration studies, political economy, and political scientists interested in Russian decision-making.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Introduction:
Russia has emerged as a prominent external actor in Latin America and the Caribbean, with its engagement in the region increasing in recent years. However, there has been limited research on the reasons behind Russia's return and its continuous engagement in the region. This volume aims to fill the gap by offering the first interdisciplinary study of Russian-Latin American relations after the end of the Cold War.
The Soviet Legacy:
The book begins by re-examining the Soviet legacy, which has had a profound impact on Russian-Latin American relations. The authors argue that the legacy of the Cold War continues to shape Russia's approach to the region, including its economic interests, security concerns, and political influence. They explore the factors that have contributed to Russia's renewed interest in the region, such as the decline of the United States as a global power, the search for new markets and resources, and the desire to counterbalance Western influence.
Russian Relations with Latin America:
The book then provides a detailed case study analysis of Russia's bilateral relations with Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. The authors identify the most critical dimensions of Russian engagement in each country, including economic cooperation, security cooperation, political influence, and cultural exchange. They analyze the challenges and opportunities that Russia faces in its relations with Latin America, such as the impact of the US sanctions, the rise of populism, and the regionalization of the world economy.
Driving Forces of Russian Engagement:
The book concludes by identifying the fundamental driving forces of Russia's renewed commitment to the area. The authors argue that Russia's engagement with Latin America is driven by a combination of economic interests, security concerns, and political influence. They highlight the importance of energy resources, trade relations, and geopolitical competition in shaping Russia's approach to the region. They also discuss the role of individual leaders, such as President Vladimir Putin, in shaping Russia's relations with Latin America.
Conclusion:
Rethinking Post Cold-War Russian-Latin American Relations is a valuable contribution to the field of international relations and area studies. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of Russian-Latin American relations, shedding light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the relationship. It will be of interest to readers of international relations, historians of modern Latin America, migration studies, political economy, and any political scientists interested in Russian decision-making.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032021256