Convergence in Latin America: illuminating the Pink Tide and Iranian nexus through social network analysis
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Authors
Bauer, Matthew S.
Maggard, Andrew J.
Murray, Robert L.
Subjects
Pink Tide
ALBA
Transnational and Transregional Threat Networks
T3N
Iranian Threat Network
ITN
Government of Venezuela
Social Network Analysis
SNA
Rabbani network
El Aissami network
ALBA
Transnational and Transregional Threat Networks
T3N
Iranian Threat Network
ITN
Government of Venezuela
Social Network Analysis
SNA
Rabbani network
El Aissami network
Advisors
Lee, Doowan
Everton, Sean
Date of Issue
2017-12
Date
Dec-17
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Throughout the early 2000s, multiple countries across Latin America elected populist, leftist governments in a sociopolitical movement known as the Pink Tide. Eight Latin American countries currently encompass this regional bloc, aiming to limit U.S. regional influence. Many of the countries have turned to foreign state actors like Iran to support anti-U.S. economic and security initiatives. While many of the populist, leftist governments are transitioning to more conservative political leadership and away from vehemently anti-U.S. rhetoric characterized by the Pink Tide movement, this research demonstrates the enduring strategic importance of the complex network connecting various key individuals, corporations, quasi-governmental organizations, and Transnational, Transregional Threat networks (T3N) supported by the government of Iran. This research illuminates and maps the social, economic, and political components of the Pink Tide network that serves as the connective tissue among the leftist countries of Latin America and demonstrates how Iran has leveraged the movement for its own geostrategic ends. By utilizing social network analysis and open-source materials, our research identifies observable political, ideological, physical, and virtual networks in Latin America that the United States must engage to maintain or increase its strategic influence in the region.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.