Publication

This paper examines the emergence of Latin America as a new focus for Russian foreign policy. It argues that Moscow cultivates Latin America as part of its strategy of encouraging the emergence of a multipolar international system in which US influence will be diminished both globally and in Latin America. The author sees this trend as counterpoise to the US' developing relationships with former Soviet states in Moscow's "near abroad." The paper looks at bilateral relations between Russia and various Latin American countries in the areas of arms exports, energy and technological exchange.