ABSTRACT
Since at least 2008, the Russian Federation seems to have re-engaged with Latin America. With high-profile visits, arms sales, shows of support for anti-US regimes and rumours of election meddling, Russia’s leaders seem intent on using the region to fulfil strategic objectives. The reality is quite different. Russia has no real commercial or security interests in Latin America, but instead views it more as a public relations platform. For Russians back home, Latin America is where Russian leaders can project an image of a global power that is still capable of challenging the People’s Republic of China, Europe and the United States, where it can promote a ‘multipolar’ world order, and from where it can seek diplomatic support for Russia’s incursions into Georgia and Ukraine. An emphasis on the Spanish-language Russia Today news network and manipulating social media is telling. Russia is mostly concerned about driving a media narrative in Latin America for domestic and international audiences.
