IRAN IN LATIN AMERICA: PRAGMATISM AND TRADE BEYOND THE ALBA COUNTRIES

Abstract

During Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency (2005-2013), Iran developed a diversifi ed relationship with Latin America: on one hand, a political and ideologized relationship with the axis of countries led by Venezuela; and on the other hand, a more pragmatic, economic and business-focused relationship with the other countries of the region. Th is article analyzes Iran’s relationship with Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, México, Paraguay, and Colombia. Th e fi rst three enjoy an historical and substantial business relationship with Iran, while the other countries have established a more recent and intense economic relationship with the Persian country. In this respect, the Iranian president’s visit to Brazil in 2009 marked a turning point in this pragmatic relationship by adding a strategic factor in which the political relationship became relevant beyond the ALBA treaty.